RCMP identify homicide victim after human remains found outside Brandon, Man., in October

Mounties in western Manitoba are treating the discovery of human remains last fall as a homicide.

In early October 2022, Blue Hills RCMPfound the remains ina rural area just outside of Brandon, Man., in the rural municipality of Cornwallis. An investigation was immediately launched, according to new release from Manitoba RCMPissued Tuesday.

A forensic anthropologist from Brandon University was involved in the investigation, which attempted to identify the victim's remains and determine a cause of death.

The remains were identified this month as those of James Vernon Giesbrecht, 37, from Brandon.

The Brandon Police Service reported Giesbrecht as missing on Dec. 12, 2022, but he had not been seen or in contact with family since Oct. 16, 2022.

Giesbrecht's family believed he might have been living in a homeless encampment around Brandon, according toBrandon police.

Manitoba RCMP have opened up a tip line, asking anyone who might have seenGiesbrechtto come forward.

"The tip line has been opened as investigators believe a number of people had contact with James in late September and early October. Additionally, it is believed these individuals have critical information that could help move the investigation forward," an email from a Manitoba RCMP media relations spokesperson said.

Investigators are asking anyone with information tocontact the RCMP by calling the major crimes tip line at 1-431-489-8110.

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