‘No one is garbage’: Parents of homicide victim Ashlee Shingoose speak out

The parents of Ashlee Shingoose have spoken out for the first time since their daughter was identified as the fourth victim of convicted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki.

At a press conference on Wednesday, police said the previously unnamed woman — who was being referred to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman — has been identified as Shingoose, 30, from St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation.

Police said they’re in the early stages of discussions with the city and province about a humanitarian search of the Brady Landfill to find her remains.

Shingoose’s father Albert said urgent action needs to be taken in searching the site.

“Start on that landfill as soon as possible,” Albert Shingoose said Thursday. “It’s (been) too long now. It’s too long. It’s not good.

“The landfill is not a burial ground for anybody. We’re not garbage. Nobody’s garbage.”

He called for Manitobans to speak up to help make a search happen as soon as possible.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“It’s good to hear where my daughter is now… now we’ve all got to work hard to bring her home,” he said.

“We need you to make it move now, to get that landfill going. I need your words, I need your voices. Speak up. Let’s say, ‘let’s get the landfill going’ to bring our daughter home.”

During the investigation, police seized evidence in the form of a jacket that may have belonged to the victim. The garment was sent for DNA analysis, and the results identified Shingoose, who was last seen in March 2022 near a Winnipeg homeless shelter.

Premier Wab Kinew and police Chief Gene Bowers pledged to search the landfill on Wednesday. Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also said the city would offer support.

Theresa Shingoose, Ashlee’s mother, said this experience has made her reflect on other families who are going through similar struggles with missing and murdered family members.

“I’ve been thinking about these other people that are lost — I pray for them too,” she said.

“Let’s not forget about them… we need to pray for them and to help them, because it’s too hard to lose your daughter, not knowing where she is.”

1:44 4th victim of Winnipeg serial killer finally identified as Ashlee Shingoose