Ground search for bodies wraps up in Winnipeg, river search continues

WINNIPEG – Volunteers are wrapping up their ground search in Winnipeg for clues about missing and murdered aboriginal women.

A group has been searching the banks of the Red River since the body of Tina Fontaine, 15, was pulled from the water in August.

Searchers have found bones that turned out to be animal remains, a blood-splattered pillowcase, a bloody rug, a set of dentures and clothing.

Bernadette Smith, whose sister disappeared six years ago, said the ground search is becoming too difficult with the colder weather and fallen leaves.

Volunteers will continue dredging the river for another few weeks when the water level drops, Smith said.

After that, they plan to resume the search in the spring, she said.