Winnipeg homicide investigators have put a face and a name to the woman whose remains were found along the bank of the Red River on April 15.
They say the hunt continues for whoever killed June Christine Johnson, 40.
“Prior to her addiction, June was a loving, devoted mum who loved her children deeply,” said Sgt. Wade McDonald at a news conference in Winnipeg on Wednesday. “She loved hard and family was of great importance to her. June had a great sense of humour, was very outgoing and we are going to cherish our good times and memories with her.
“Sadly, addiction took over all aspects of her life and we lost her in this very tragic way.”
Johnson’s family said she was not Indigenous.
McDonald revealed few details about the ongoing investigation including how she died. But he did confirm she had been dismembered before being left near the river.
He said more than 60 forensics and homicide investigators have pored over hours of data, trying to establish a timeline of what happened to Johnson who was last seen alive in downtown Winnipeg in February.
Through forensic verification, the deceased has been identified as June JOHNSON. The Homicide Unit continues to seek public assistance regarding June's homicide.
Full release:https://t.co/rO2770BQAH https://t.co/YiietLXoJX pic.twitter.com/DxVS9dY6Rp— Winnipeg Police (@wpgpolice) May 17, 2023
McDonald also read a message from Johnson’s family, who he says police have been in contact with since two days after the remains were discovered.
The family and police are appealing for information from the public on anything that may help find Johnson’s killer. Winnipeg police confirm that Johnson, who, according to her family was not Indigenous, had gone missing in the past.
On Christmas Eve 2020, Johnson was reported missing to police but was found safe two days later.
Winnipeg has been the scene of a disturbing level of violence against women – especially First Nations women.
In December 2022 it was revealed that Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, both from Long Plain First Nation, were victims of a serial killer. The man in custody is also accused of killing Rebecca Contois and a victim who is known only as Buffalo Woman.
Authorities believe Harris and Myran are both in a landfill north of Winnipeg. It’s not clear on whether police or other organization will conduct a search for them despite families wishing it go ahead.
Contois and Buffalo Woman are believed to be in another landfill used by the city.
