Aunt, daughter mourn woman slain in cottage country double homicide
The aunt of a woman slain Friday in the Rural Municipality of Victoria Beach says her niece's life 'was stolen' in a random act of violence.
Windi Scott posted about 41-year-old Melissa Julie Wilson, one of the victims identified by residents and on social media, to a Victoria Beach Facebook group Sunday night.
'Victoria Beach is one of the most beautiful places I know. It's not a dangerous place,' she wrote.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
RCMP said Monday they are still searching for a suspect in the slaying of Melissa Julie Wilson and a 29-year-old man after their bodies were discovered on a property early Friday in Sandy Bay.
'My precious niece's life was stolen in a random act of violence. Anyone who knew her will know the true meaning of this loss. May you continue to enjoy the rare beauty of the beaches this summer and for years to come. And remember a beautiful mom and her family if you will.'
One of Wilson's children, daughter Taylor Marie Friesen, also posted a message on her Facebook account.
'I love you mom, I'm so sorry,' she wrote.
RCMP said Monday they are still searching for a suspect in the slaying of Wilson and a 29-year-old man after their bodies were discovered on a property early Friday in Sandy Bay. Police have yet to release the names of the victims.
In a news release Monday, Mounties maintained the public was not in danger.
'At this time, the RCMP continues to believe that this is a targeted incident and the safety risk to the community is low,' the release said.
The Free Press learned Sunday that RCMP had interviewed several people during the day, including the Hampton Road property owner, where the bodies were found.
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'Officers with RCMP Major Crime Services, along with RCMP Forensic Identification Services, Powerview detachment and Victoria Beach Police, have been on scene since Friday morning, investigating the scene as well as canvassing the area for possible witnesses, surveillance camera footage, and searching for any additional evidence that may assist this investigation,' RCMP said.
Police said they're still searching for a white pickup truck, which is believed to have been seen speeding southbound on Highway 59 after the shooting.
Hampton Road is located at the northeast end of a peninsula, in the RM. An area filled with cottages and restricted to vehicle traffic from late June until Labour Day is located to the southwest.
RCMP encouraged anyone with information to contact Powerview RCMP at 204-367-8728 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at manitobacrimestoppers.com.
scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca
Scott BilleckReporter
Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade's worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott.
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