In Manitoba, Canada, search teams have started excavating the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women, Marcedes Myran, 26, and Morgan Harris, 39. Their families have awaited this critical phase of the search for nearly two years since being informed of their deaths. Both women were victims of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, who is serving a life sentence for their murders, as well as those of Rebecca Contois, 24, and an unidentified woman referred to as Buffalo Woman.
Initial Resistance and Advocacy
Despite the conviction, efforts to locate the remains faced significant hurdles. Manitoba officials initially declined the search, citing health risks and high costs. However, advocacy by Indigenous leaders and the victims’ families, including setting up a makeshift camp near the landfill, pressured the government to act. Their persistence led to a pledge of C$20 million from Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew, matched by federal funding, to conduct the search.
The Search Begins
On Monday, search crews began excavating a targeted area within the landfill identified as the most likely site for the remains. Premier Kinew confirmed that items such as milk cartons and flyers dated to the spring of 2022—around the time of the murders—had been found, suggesting the teams are searching in the correct timeframe. A heated steel facility has been set up on-site to meticulously sift through the excavated waste, with 45 personnel involved in the months-long operation. Protective measures, including specialized gear, are in place to shield workers from hazardous materials like asbestos.
Background of the Case
Skibicki’s crimes went undetected for months until a man discovered partial remains of Rebecca Contois in a bin near his apartment. Skibicki later confessed to the murders of Myran, Harris, and Buffalo Woman. Some of Contois’ remains were recovered from a separate landfill, but the other three victims’ remains were never found. The Prairie Green Landfill is believed to be the final resting place for Myran and Harris, based on police investigations.
Hope for Closure
Premier Kinew, who visited the search site alongside the victims’ families, acknowledged the emotional weight of the operation. “It is an intense emotion that you feel standing on that site with those families,” he said. While the search is challenging, Kinew expressed hope that it would provide closure to the grieving families. “No matter what lies ahead, we can say we tried,” he added.
This search represents a significant step in addressing the loss experienced by the families and highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities in advocating for justice and accountability.