Two individuals are facing second-degree murder charges in relation to the double homicide of a man and a woman in Victoria Beach, Manitoba, earlier this year, according to Manitoba RCMP. Nathoniel More-Harrison, aged 31, and Mitchell Johanson, aged 28, were apprehended in connection with the deaths of Sly Thibert and Melissa Wilson, as announced by police during a news briefing on Wednesday.
The victims, Thibert, 29, and Wilson, 41, were discovered deceased in the Sandy Bay cottage area, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Winnipeg, on June 20. RCMP Staff Sgt. Sean Grunewald stated that the suspects allegedly targeted Thibert, leading to Wilson’s death as she was present at his residence when More-Harrison and Johanson arrived. The motive behind the killings is still being investigated, according to Grunewald.
Both the victims and the accused men were acquainted with each other, residing in the same vicinity, and were known to be friends, Grunewald added. The tragic events have deeply impacted the families of the victims, along with numerous loved ones and residents of the Victoria Beach area and the province, stated Grunewald during the press conference.
Johanson, a resident of Grand Marais, Manitoba, was arrested in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on October 7. More-Harrison, hailing from the RM of St. Clements in Manitoba, was apprehended in New Minas, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by police.
Glenn Thibert, the father of Sly Thibert, expressed minimal comfort in the arrests made by the authorities. He conveyed his lack of happiness over the situation, emphasizing that the arrests would not bring back his son or Melissa.
Describing his son as a commercial fisherman with a gentle nature, Glenn Thibert remarked that Sly was non-violent and had a jovial personality. He recalled Sly as a carefree individual who enjoyed bantering with others and was forthright in his interactions.
Johanson has been detained and will be returned to Manitoba for a court appearance, while More-Harrison will also be brought back to Manitoba for legal proceedings, as per RCMP. Grunewald urged any residents with relevant information on the case to reach out to the RCMP.