A lengthy homicide investigation into the disappearance and killing of a Brandon man in October 2022 has led to the arrest of three men and charges of first- and second-degree murder.
Manitoba RCMP announced that its major crimes unit arrested the suspects Monday in connection with the murder of James Vernon Giesbrecht.
Police initially found unidentified human remains in the trunk of a burned-out car on Oct. 13 of last year, and determined after a forensic investigation that the victim wasn’t killed in the fire.
In January 2023, Giesbrecht, 37, was identified as the victim via the National Forensics Lab. He had been reported missing a month earlier.
Police later determined that the burned vehicle, a 2007 Honda Accord, had been reported stolen from Regina, although the person responsible for stealing the vehicle was not suspected in the murder.
On Monday, the three suspects — all of whom were serving time for other offences in Manitoba correctional facilities — were formally charged with the murder.
Redstone Wombdiska, 28, was arrested at Headingley Correctional Centre, 36-year-old Joseph Lindsay was arrested at Stony Mountain Institution, and Christopher Cutlip, 40, was arrested at Brandon Correctional Centre.
No further suspects are being sought, and all three remain in custody.
Major crimes Supt. Rob Lasson said Tuesday that tips from the public were instrumental in wrapping up the investigation.
“We couldn’t have got here without the assistance of the Brandon Police Service and the public,” Lasson said.
“The investigation would not have been solved without the public’s assistance because they got involved: they offered tips, provided statements. Also, our investigators never wavered in their dedication to tracking down those who committed a brutal and planned murder, and I thank them.
“From a policing perspective, this is a strong result – first-degree murder charges are very serious and carry a heavy burden of proof.”
Comments