Serial Killer Jeremy Skibicki Convicted On 4 Counts of First-Degree Murder

Image Credit, Daniel Bone

A pivotal moment in the fight for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) arrived today as an admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki was found guilty on four counts of first-degree murder. The community expressed a mixture of relief and hope that this verdict marks the beginning of the healing process for the families and loved ones affected by these horrific crimes.

Skibicki was held accountable for the brutal murders of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman). This verdict provides a measure of closure to a tragic and painful chapter, bringing justice to the victims and their families.

“We are thankful that the person charged with committing these horrific crimes has been found guilty on all four counts of first-degree murder. This verdict helps the families and loved ones of the victims as they continue to grieve these immeasurable losses,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

The issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada is a profound and longstanding crisis. Indigenous women and girls face violence at disproportionately high rates, a direct consequence of colonialism, systemic racism, and socio-economic marginalization. The 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted these issues, calling for transformative changes through its 231 Calls for Justice.

The guilty verdict is a pivotal moment, but the journey toward justice and healing extends far beyond the courtroom. A critical next step involves the planned search of local landfills for the remains of the murdered women. This search is a vital part of providing closure to the families, who have endured the agony of not knowing the final resting places of their loved ones. Advocates are pushing for a thorough and respectful search to recover the remains and allow for proper memorials.

The conviction of Skibicki is a significant step towards justice. However, it also highlights the ongoing need for systemic change and support for the families and communities affected by this violence. Advocates and survivors continue to push for comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls and to ensure that their voices are heard and respected.