It has been one week since the body of Linda Mary Beardy was discovered in Winnipeg’s Brady Road landfill.
Her family said the 33-year-old was a mother, devoted aunty and band member of Lake St. Martin First Nation in Manitoba’s Interlake region.
Winnipeg police said Thursday her death was not a homicide, but the circumstances behind it sparked anger and a cry for answers.
Her family said in a statement following a police news conference they “felt intimidated” while meeting with detectives. They said they still want her death investigated as a homicide and, if necessary, by an outside agency.
“We believe that a more fulsome investigation must take place and an opportunity for all tips to be followed up with. There are many unresolved questions that must be answered,” the family said in the statement.
READ MORE: Body of First Nations woman discovered in Winnipeg landfill
Members of Lake St. Martin band council spoke to reporters outside the landfill late Thursday afternoon.
They cited the community’s devastating flood of 2011.
“Had our people had the chance to return home to our traditional lands, Linda Beardy might still be here today. However, she’s returning home in a casket,” said Chief Chris Traverse.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to the street to protest peacefully the next day, Good Friday.
Marchers wound their way through the downtown core to the front of Winnipeg Police Service headquarters.
Broken
That’s where windows were broken.
A police spokersperson did not respond to questions about the vandalism from APTN News.
Meanwhile, the landfill on Winnipeg’s south end reopened Monday.
And Beardy’s family started a Gofundme to raise funds for her four children.
“I don’t care what your opinion is or where you stand on this matter, the fact remains that the children did not ask for any of this or deserve this,” said the account started by Beardy’s cousin.
“Please join me in ensuring the children of Linda Beardy, regardless of where you stand on this tragic matter are afforded to grow and flourish as any human should be able to, despite the loss of their beloved mother.”
