After a 93-day search, Mackenzie Lee Trottier’s body was found in the Saskatoon landfill.
“Ninety-three days of snow, rain, high winds and extreme heat,” said Staff Sgt. Corey Lenius. “The Saskatoon Police Service Public Safety Unit meticulously searched through 54 metric tonnes of refuse every day, with an overall total of approximately 5,000 tonnes.”
“We know it was a long 93 days, but because of them, Mackenzie was brought home,” added Lenius.
“I join chief McBride in extending our deepest condolences. This has been an incredibly difficult process for you, and your involvement throughout has been a source of inspiration and hope for all of us involved in finding McKenzie. This was also 93 days of patience and uncertainty for you, and I thank you for that.”
Police said on July 30 that a member of the search team found part of a human body, leading police to continue searching and ultimately locate the rest of her body on Aug. 1.
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Through dental records, forensic anthropologist Dr. Ernie Walker confirmed the body belonged to the missing 22-year-old woman.
The cause of Trottier’s death is still undetermined, police said.
Saskatoon police said there were 44 people involved with the search and that one suspect was determined.
However, SPS said before it could obtain evidence required to prove their involvement, the suspect died in an unrelated incident in 2023.
Thus, no charges will be laid.
Police said he was the only suspect and since no charges will be laid the suspect’s information will not be released.
Police said the suspect’s electronic devices were found during the search of the landfill.
Trottier and the suspect were known to each other and both Trottier and the suspect were known to frequent the area where she was suspected to have been killed, the 1300 block of Avenue B north, said police.
Saskatoon police shared their condolences to the family and thanked them for their trust, patience and participation through this process.
“The past 93 days in particular have been difficult. But today we have the answers we were searching for,” said Paul Trottier, Mackenzie’s father.
“(Those involved) have been the fabric that has held us together. You are forever etched in our hearts. Today we have our answers. Mackenzie is home. Thank you everyone for that. Thank you.”
Trottier was last seen on Dec. 21, 2020, leaving her home in the 300 block of Trent Crescent.