Manitoba landfill search progresses to find victims of serial killer

In Manitoba, a significant phase has commenced in the search for the remains of First Nations women believed to be victims of a convicted serial killer. Specific parts of the Prairie Green landfill, where Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris are thought to have been disposed of, have been identified as the most probable locations of their remains. Following extensive planning and preparatory work, multiple teams began the delicate task of sifting through refuse at the landfill, which started on a Monday morning. The search relies heavily on data such as garbage collection records and police GPS information from vehicles used at the time. This initiative is backed by the provincial and federal governments, each committing $20 million toward the endeavor that has been anticipated for over two years by the families of the victims. The search effort is particularly poignant for families, especially for Cambria Harris, the daughter of Morgan Harris, who articulated that the next steps represent a much-needed healing journey for the province. The search for remains was initiated after Jeremy Skibicki, the convicted killer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders in late August, following a comprehensive trial that revealed his responsibility for the deaths of multiple women, including Myran and Harris. Although police previously refused to search the landfill due to safety concerns over contaminants such as asbestos, improved safety measures and facility construction have now made the operation feasible. The Manitoba government, led by Premier Wab Kinew, has communicated that realistic expectations should be set for the families as they navigate through this distressing time. The search process is complex and fraught with uncertainties, but Kinew expressed that the use of previously collected refuse material and investigatory data offers hope. As work progresses, the involvement of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will ensure that any human remains discovered are handled sensitively and according to a families-first protocol. As this project unfolds, the support from both provincial and federal government underscores the importance placed on resolving these cases and providing closure for affected families. As of now, a critical focus remains on diligently searching the targeted areas while preparing for any discoveries that might arise from the newly conducted searches.