WINNIPEG – Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed his condolences to the family of Morgan Harris, an Indigenous woman who was murdered by serial killer Jeremy Skibicki. Kinew hopes that the recent discovery of her remains at a Winnipeg landfill will allow her family to move forward with their grieving process. He emphasized that for years, the family has faced obstacles in honoring Harris, as they were unable to hold a funeral or memorial due to the ongoing investigation and public scrutiny surrounding her case.
In a statement released by the Manitoba government, it was confirmed that remains found at the Prairie Green landfill belong to Morgan Harris, who was 39 years old at the time of her death. Additionally, another set of remains was recovered, with further information expected as details are confirmed. The search for Harris and another victim, Marcedes Myran, commenced in December and raised significant public concern. However, Premier Kinew noted that the government ultimately made the right decision in proceeding with the search, and he commended the collective efforts of Manitobans and Canadians in supporting the families of the victims.
Jeremy Skibicki was convicted in 2022 of first-degree murder for the killings of four Indigenous women, including Harris and Myran. The victims’ families, along with Indigenous leaders, had long advocated for the landfill search, bringing their concerns to both Parliament Hill and the Manitoba legislature. Initially, the police expressed safety concerns that led them to refuse the search, and the previous Progressive Conservative government also declined to support it. However, during Kinew’s campaign for the New Democratic Party (NDP), he pledged that a search would be initiated. Following their election in 2023, the provincial and federal governments allocated $20 million to fund the search efforts.
Crime scene consultant Ross Gardner stated that while a search of the landfill presented significant challenges due to time and compaction, the confirmation of Harris's remains indicated progress. Gardner praised the searchers and noted that they now have a specific area to concentrate on, which provides valuable intelligence regarding the search operation.
During the murder trial, it was revealed that Harris was a member of Long Plain First Nation and had been living in Winnipeg before her last known sighting on May 1, 2022. Skibicki reportedly targeted vulnerable women at homeless shelters and disposed of their bodies in nearby garbage bins. The remains of another victim, Rebecca Contois, were found at a different landfill, while the remains of an unnamed Indigenous woman, known as Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe or Buffalo Woman, have not yet been located.
Former Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth retired in September 2024, with Gene Bowers announced as his successor. Bowers expressed his sympathies for the families of the victims and emphasized the department's commitment to those still seeking answers regarding their missing loved ones. He also outlined his vision for the Winnipeg Police Service to lead in reconciliation, with his appointment set to take effect on March 10, 2025.
This ongoing case has highlighted the critical issues surrounding the safety and treatment of Indigenous women in Canada. The commitment of the families, Indigenous leaders, and the provincial government to ensure justice and recovery has been a significant element throughout this tragic journey.
