Remains found at Canadian landfill identified as missing Indigenous woman Marcedes Myran
Remains found at Canadian landfill identified as missing Indigenous woman Marcedes Myran
Remains found at a Canadian landfill have been confirmed as an Indigenous woman believed to have been killed around three years ago.
The remains belong to Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation, a 26-year-old woman who police say convicted serial killer Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki murdered around May 4, 2022.
Officials from the province of Manitoba made the announcement Monday, just 10 days after identifying another one of Skibicki's victims, 39-year-old Morgan Beatrice Harris, also of Long Plain First Nation. Police believe Harris was killed just a few days before Myran.
Their remains were found as part of a humanitarian search of the Prairie Green Landfill, located about 20 miles northwest of Winnipeg, officials said Monday.
The search began on Dec. 2 last year, according to Manitoba officials. Those searching combed through piles of waste dumped between May 9, 2022 and May 21, 2022, Manitoba officials said.
Missing Indigenous women: A man killed an Indigenous woman in 2022. Her remains were found at a Canadian landfill.
Man linked to the killing of four Indigenous women in Canada
Skibicki, 35, has been linked to multiple deaths in the Winnipeg area.
On May 16, 2022, partial remains later identified as 24-year-old Rebecca Contois of Crane River First Nation were found in a collection receptacle, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release. Two days later, Skibicki was arrested and charged with first degree murder.
Investigators discovered that some of Contois' remains may have been taken to the Brady Road Resource Management Facility during a residential pickup. In early June, investigators had workers stop operations there and began searching the facility. On June 14, 2022, they found more remains at the facility, police said.
Investigators had a suspicion there were more victims and continued their investigation and altogether, Skibicki has been linked to the killings of four different women between March 2022 and May 2022.
Those women include:
An unidentified victim who, for now, is known as Buffalo Woman or Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe, killed around March 15, 2022
Rebecca Contois of Crane River First Nation, 24, partial remains found on May 16, 2022
Morgan Beatrice Harris of Long Plain First Nation, 39, killed around May 1, 2022
Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation, 26, killed around May 4, 2022
Skibicki allegedly met the women at homeless shelters and once he got them to his home, he killed them.
He was charged with three additional counts of first degree murder on Dec. 1, 2022, the police service said.
Skibicki was found guilty of four counts of first degree murder in July 2024 and was ordered to serve four life sentences without the possibility of parole for 25 years, according to the Canadian Broadcast Corporation and CTV.
Native women are murdered at alarming rates, research shows
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native females experienced the second highest rate of homicide in 2020.
Also that year, it was reported that homicide was one of the top 10 leading causes of death for American Indian and Alaska Native females ages 1 to 45.
Red dresses are often placed in outdoor spaces to represent these missing and murdered Indigenous women. The symbolization began as part of the REDress Project, created by artist Jaime Black.
In April 2023, community members hung red dresses at the Brady Road Resource Management Facility in honor of 33-year-old Linda Beardy, whose remains were found there, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. It's the same landfill where Contois' remains were found.
Organization stands by families of Indigenous women 'taken too soon'
Regarding the most recent discovery of Myran's remains, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said Monday that returning her to her family is sacred to the organization and their community.
"Marcedes, a beloved young woman from Long Plain First Nation, was deeply cherished by her children, her family, and her community," the organization wrote in a news release.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said in the news release that it was Myran's family and their determination that led to the discovery of her remains.
"Their courage is a reflection of the love they carry for her," Wilson said. "Our hearts are with them as they grieve and begin the journey of healing."
Wilson added that First Nations women have been disrespected, and Myran deserved to live out her life with her loved ones.
The organization said it will continue to honor the memory of Myran, Harris, Contois and Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe (Buffalo Woman), "and all our women, girls, and Two-Spirit relatives who remain missing or have been taken too soon."
Contributing: Taylor Ardrey
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Police Release New Images of Travis Decker, Dad Accused of Killing His 3 Daughters, as He Remains on the Run
Police have released new images of Travis Decker, the 32-year-old Washington man accused of killing his three young daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were last seen during "planned visitation" with their father on May 30, before their bodies were discovered days later The new images of Decker, shared by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), give the public a closer look at his tattoos and clothing around the time of his disappearanceAuthorities in Washington are continuing their search for Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, and have released new images as they ask for the public's assistance as he remains on the run. On Saturday, June 7, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) released a wanted poster on Facebook that features multiple new photos, and a few previously released images, of the murder suspect, including some that highlight his tattoos and wardrobe. In the photos, Decker — who has been charged with one count of kidnapping and three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — can be seen with his hair pulled back and tattoos on his arm and ankles. The poster states that Decker, 32, was last seen wearing a tan or green T-shirt, which he was previously photographed in, with dark shorts. He is 5'8 with black hair and brown eyes, and the CCSO described him as "dangerous" and said he "may be armed." In the office's June 7 update, the CCSO wrote that hundreds of law enforcement personnel are searching "dozens of structures and the forests" in the area. "We continue these search efforts, acting upon gathered information and tips from the public, and leads developed through even more search warrants," the organization's statement continued, adding that a local road was reopened after authorities found "no credible threat." "However, we ask the public remain vigilant as they venture back out to the recreation areas of Chelan County. We have notified the USFS that they can reopen the recreation areas as well," the CCSO said. Authorities are encouraging locals to check their doorbell cameras, to contact authorities if they see something helpful to the search and to "not attempt or contact or approach" Decker if they see the suspect. Per a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, the Independent and NBC Right Now, authorities said they were worried that Decker was attempting to flee the United States after allegedly looking up phrases including "how to relocate to Canada" and "how does a person move to Canada" on May 26. He also reportedly searched for information tied to a Canadian job site, the outlets said, citing the affidavit. Decker's daughters were last seen during "planned visitation" with their father on May 30. The Wenatchee Police Department (WPD) then issued an endangered missing persons alert the next day. On June 2, authorities canceled the alert and revealed they had discovered the three girls' remains. Fox 13 Seattle reported that Decker's pickup truck was found near the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Wash., where the bodies were located. A preliminary report seen by the outlet lists their believed cause of death as "asphyxiation." Fox 13 also reported that investigators found a blanket, a wallet, food and car seats for the girls inside Decker's vehicle, which had two bloody handprints on it. The suspect "drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping," court documents obtained by the outlet said. Police are now offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Decker's arrest, according to ABC News. Arianna Cozart, an attorney who represents the girls' mother, Whitney Decker, told PEOPLE on June 6 that "everybody cares that Travis is found for peace of mind if nothing else." Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Decker to call 911 immediately, or call the CCSO at 509-667-6845. A form can also be submitted to a tip line. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Some migrants detained in L.A. ICE raids have already been deported
LOS ANGELES — Less than 48 hours after Juan Fernando was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his job at a clothing factory, he was transported back to the country he had left behind. The 23-year-old member of Mexico's Indigenous Zapotec community told his parents that he had been dropped off at an international bridge and told to cross back to Mexico, the family recounted in an interview with The Washington Post. He told them he thought he had signed a consent to a coronavirus test but may have inadvertently signed off on his deportation instead.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Marquis Who's Who Honors Howard L. Nations for Fighting for Justice for Veterans
UNIONDALE, NY / / June 9, 2025 / Attorney Howard L. Nations has been selected for inclusion in the Marquis Who's Who (MWW) for his dedication to representing veterans in various high-profile cases. About Howard L. Nations Mr. Nations built a national trial practice by prosecuting mass tort cases focused on personal injury and wrongful death caused by carcinogenic toxins, dangerous pharmaceuticals, and defective medical devices. The Nations Law Firm currently represents several thousand veterans, wounded warriors, and Gold Star Families. As a leader in the legal profession, Mr. Nations served as president of six law organizations including The National Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. As an educator, he lectured on trial advocacy in all 50 states, six Canadian provinces and 12 foreign countries. He is an inductee into the Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame and the recipient of the highest award granted by the American Association for Justice, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Nations was born into a family with a long military pedigree dating back to the American Revolution. As a child, he was surrounded by military family members and friends returning from World War II. The substantial influence of veterans in his early life inspired his youthful goal to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. However, as a nine-year-old child, he became involved in his first trial as a plaintiff. He testified on his own behalf, was cross-examined and emerged victorious with his first courtroom victory. This event changed his life as he was impressed by the dignified aura of the courtroom, the power of the Court, and the ability of his lawyer to achieve justice for him, an underdog child in an adult court. From that victory, his life goal became law school and a career as a Plaintiff's lawyer. In addition to his law goal, his love of the military continued and at underage 16, he joined the Florida National Guard. After high school, he volunteered for the U.S. Army where, in one of the most influential events of his life, Mr. Nations was assigned to the Army Language School to receive training as a Russian linguist. In addition to learning Russian, the school taught him discipline, attention to detail, study methods, study habits and how to fiercely compete to excel in academia. Continuing these strictly enforced military disciplines and methodologies carried him through seven years of college and law school on academic scholarships. As a Russian linguist, Mr. Nations was assigned to the Army Security Agency in South Korea, from which he coordinated with military intelligence throughout Asia. Upon his return to the United States, he completed his active military duty in the United States Army Military Intelligence. He then served two years in the Army Reserve, completing his eight years of military service with an Honorable Discharge. After completing military service, Mr. Nations graduated from Florida State University, acquired his law degree from Vanderbilt University, and was sworn in as a member of the State Bar of Texas on September 15, 1966. He initially worked for five years with a large Houston firm. During this time, he began teaching civil trial courses as an adjunct professor of law at South Texas College of Law, where he taught for 25 years. When Mr. Nations formed The Nations Law firm in Houston on May 1, 1971, he pledged to render legal services for veterans as part of his firm's mission statement. During the past 54 years of practice, The Nations Law firm has been loyal to that pledge. The firm represents thousands of veterans in Camp Lejeune cases and the FSIA Antiterrorism wounded warrior litigation. In his early years of practice, Mr. Nations gave free representation to numerous veterans accused of crimes. His experiences in Korea, combined with his pro bono work with veterans accused of crimes, gave him an early understanding of the huge problem of posttraumatic stress disorder among veterans. He coordinated for years with a prominent Houston neuropsychologist to prove posttraumatic stress disorder as a defense to criminal conduct before the diagnosis was acknowledged by the United States government or the Veterans Administration. As numerous veterans returned from Vietnam, suffering from PTSD, Mr. Nations represented them in the continuing effort to prove that PTSD existed and should be acknowledged as a diagnosis for both medical compensation and criminal defense. Through the efforts of many medical, psychological, and legal experts, the horrors of PTSD were finally acknowledged and treatment approved. In 2016, Congress passed the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act creating the right and cause of action for wounded warriors and other victims of terrorism to sue terrorist organizations and their sponsors for damages for personal injury and wrongful death. The Nations Law Firm immediately joined five other prominent mass tort firms to form a consortium to represent wounded warriors who were killed or injured by nine terrorist organizations funded by Iran. The consortium represents 2,554 veterans, their families, and Gold Star families. After seven years of proving 108 bellwether cases in Court, the Plaintiffs received their first Final Judgment in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia in the amount of $960 million against Iran. Cases on behalf of the remaining 2,446 wounded warriors and their Gold Star families are still being prosecuted by the consortium. Throughout his career, Mr. Nations has been an active lobbyist, both in Congress and state legislatures, on behalf of personal injury and wrongful death victims. He lobbies against product liability bills that grant immunity to manufacturers of defective products, and tort reform designed to reduce or eliminate damage recoveries by victims of negligent or egregious conduct of others. His primary focus currently is the passage of Congressional legislation that aids veterans in their pursuit of justice. For a 34-year period from 1954 through 1987, carcinogenic toxins were dumped into the drinking water at Marine Base Camp Lejeune, thus exposing more than a million people to cancers and at least 10 deadly diseases. The party responsible for this egregious conduct was the United States government. The law provided no remedy to the hundreds of thousands of victims since the government was, by statute, immune from liability. For more than a decade, Ed Bell, an outstanding trial lawyer from South Carolina, tried to pass federal legislation that would provide a remedy for those Marines, veterans, and civilians who had contracted deadly diseases from exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. In 2021, Ed Bell engaged Mr. Nations and Jim Onder, an outstanding mass tort lawyer, to assist in passing this remedial legislation. On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 into law, thus creating a cause of action for plaintiffs who can prove that their disease was as likely as not caused by exposure to either of the four carcinogens that the federal government knowingly dumped into the water at Camp Lejeune. Within the two-year period allowed for filing claims against the government under this statute, 554,000 claims were filed. The Nations Law Firm represents thousands of veterans, suing the United States government under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. The Nations Law Firm, through the Wounded Warriors Consortium, is also suing 21 foreign banks in New York under the Anti-Terrorism Act and JASTA for laundering Iranian currency into dollars to buy weapons of war for their nine acolyte terrorist organizations to use against American military forces. The FSIA wounded warriors are also plaintiffs in this litigation. Mr. Nations continues to lobby the United States Congress on three more bills that will increase the likelihood of recoveries for veterans and their families. For these reasons, Marquis Who's Who has chosen to honor Mr. Nations for his continuing fight for justice for veterans. About Marquis Who's Who®: Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at Marquis Who's WhoUniondale, NY(844) 394 - 6946info@ SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
