Media Release - City Responds to Discovery of Human Remains in Northern Manitoba

Port Alberni, BC - In response to the announcement earlier today by the RCMP that they believe the bodies of two suspects who were the focus of a multi-province manhunt have been found in Manitoba, Mayor Sharie Minions has issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the City of Port Alberni, I would like to express my thanks to members of the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces who undertook a major operation across multiple provinces over the past few weeks to find suspects in the deaths of three individuals in northern British Columbia.

Although I am relieved the search appears to have come to a conclusion, I recognize this is difficult news for the families of the two suspects. My thoughts are also with the families of the victims who have suffered unimaginable loss. This has been a tragic series of events, and it has been a difficult time for everyone, including residents of our community.

Our thoughts are also with the community of Gillam and neighbouring areas in Manitoba as they start to return to their regular lives. What they have gone through over the past few weeks is hard to imagine.

Many questions remain even after this development, and the City of Port Alberni will continue to support the RCMP as they complete their investigation. We all want answers as to what led to this tragic series of events, but we must be patient and understand that it takes time to conduct an in-depth investigation. Speculation is not helpful. I also ask that the privacy of the families be respected.

I will continue to stay in contact with the RCMP about this case, and thank them for keeping our Council apprised of developments to date.

Many have been affected by these events since mid-July. I ask that we offer each other support and understanding in the weeks to come.

The Alberni Valley has numerous supports available to its residents, and I encourage anyone struggling at this time to take advantage of the resources available to them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Timothy Pley
Chief Administrative Officer
Ph: 250-720-2824