Update:
The ground search for the partial human remains of Rebecca CONTOIS began today at the Brady Road Resource Management Facility. On May 16, 2022, soon after the discovery of her partial remains, WPS officers had an area of the landfill secured where it was deemed possible her missing remains could be located and stopped any further dumping of materials.
Ten members of the WPS Ground Search and Rescue Team are on-site at the resource facility. They have been fitted with respirators, methane detection equipment, and other protective gear to guard against the hazards of searching in a landfill. Extensive preparation work and poor recent weather conditions delayed the ground search from getting underway until today.
On Monday, a Sacred Fire was lit, and tobacco was passed to a Grandmother, who did a ceremony in honour of Rebecca, her family, and her loved ones, as well as to support the team involved in the search. The Family Support and Resource Advocate, supports from MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit and Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Medicine Bear Counselling Program were present to bear witness to the ceremony on behalf of Rebecca’s family.
The Winnipeg Police Service will continue to provide timely updates to her family about the investigation and search through a trauma-informed approach.
As previously released:
Since the morning of May 16, 2022, detectives from the Winnipeg Police Homicide Unit have been investigating partial human remains discovered near an apartment building in the 200 block of Edison Avenue. The victim has now been identified as Rebecca CONTOIS, 24.
On May 18, investigators arrested a suspect. Jeremy Anthony Micheal SKIBICKI, 35, has been charged with First Degree Murder and detained in custody.
This is an ongoing investigation. Officers have executed a search warrant on the accused’s residence, located in the area. Another potential scene has been identified at the Brady Road Resource Management Facility. Winnipeg Police Service members remain on scene at Brady as the investigation continues.
Due to the nature of the circumstances of this investigation, Homicide Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims.