Peggy
Mounties in western Manitoba are treating the discovery of human remains last fall as a homicide.
In early October 2022, Blue Hills RCMP found the remains in a rural area just outside of Brandon, Manitoba in the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis. An investigation was immediately launched, according to a new statement from the Manitoba RCMP released on Tuesday.
A forensic anthropologist from Brandon University assisted in the investigation, which attempted to identify the victim’s remains and determine a cause of death.
The remains were identified this month as those of James Vernon Giesbrecht, 37, of Brandon.
The Brandon Police Department reported Giesbrecht missing on Dec. 12, 2022, but he had not been seen or in contact with his family since Oct. 16, 2022.
Giesbrecht’s family believed he may have been living in a homeless encampment around Brandon, according to Brandon police.
Manitoba RCMP have opened a hotline asking anyone who has seen Giesbrecht to come forward.
“The tip line has been opened as investigators believe a number of people came into contact with James in late September and early October. Additionally, these people are believed to have critical information that could help move the case forward. ‘investigation,’ said an email from a Manitoba RCMP media relations spokesperson.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the RCMP by calling the Major Crimes Information Line at 1-431-489-8110.
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