WINNIPEG — Manitoba RCMP have charged a 15-year-old with first-degree murder in the killing of Teresa Robinson.
Officers arrested the youth without incident in Garden Hill First Nation on Thursday. Charges were laid on Friday.
The 15-year-old cannot be named because of the youth criminal justice act.
READ MORE: Arrest made in the homicide of Teresa Robinson 10 months after her death
Robinson’s remains were found in a forested area near the community more than 10 months ago.
The girl was last seen alive leaving a birthday party in Garden Hill on May 5. She was missing for six days before her body was discovered.
At a media conference on Friday, RCMP said “animals are believed to have disturbed Teresa’s body.” However, the case was treated as a homicide.
In February RCMP started taking 2,000 voluntary DNA samples from men between the ages 15 and 66 in the community in connection to her killing.
READ MORE: RCMP taking DNA samples in connection to Teresa Robinson’s homicide
Police cannot confirm if the youth provided a sample, but said all DNA samples were destroyed after the case and not filed for the future.
“The gathering of DNA did help in the investigation,” RCMP said.
“There were also interviews, searches and forensics that helped too.”
RCMP did not provide any other details at the media conference.
“The tragedy of her death will never be forgotten and always a deep sense of loss for her family and the community,” RCMP said. “It’s our hope the charges will begin the healing process and help bring closure.”