Update 2 – Major Crime Services investigating homicide in western Manitoba

The investigation into the homicide of James Vernon Giesbrecht is now at a place where police can release further information relating to the 2007 Honda Accord and where the remains of the victim were located.

Giesbrecht’s remains were located in the trunk of the burned out Honda Accord. The burned vehicle was located on October 13, 2022, just south of the intersection of Road 108 West and Road 51 North in the RM of Cornwallis. A complete forensic examination has taken place on the vehicle, with the assistance of a Forensic Anthropologist from the Brandon University Department of Anthropology. Police located physical evidence that has been sent to the Forensic Laboratory for forensic DNA testing.

Additional searches in relation to the homicide have taken place, which have helped police collect further evidence in this investigation. However, investigators are still looking to the public to provide any information they may have in relation to this incident by calling the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110.

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Update – Major Crime Services investigating homicide in western Manitoba

Investigation into the death of James Vernon Giesbrecht, 37, from Brandon, has revealed a connection between his death and a grey 2007 Honda Accord with a Saskatchewan licence plate. The vehicle was seen in the Brandon area, between October 5-13, 2022.

Officers know the vehicle was stolen from Regina, Saskatchewan, but are looking for more information about the whereabouts of the vehicle as well as anyone who was seen driving the vehicle.

Police continue to ask the public to call with any information related to this investigation. Please call the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110.

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Major Crime Services investigating homicide in western Manitoba

In early October, 2022, Blue Hills RCMP responded to a rural area on the outskirts of the City of Brandon in the RM of Cornwallis.

Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be human remains. An investigation, led by Major Crime Services, was immediately launched. Over the course of the past four months, investigators have worked closely with a Forensic Anthropologist from Brandon University as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains and determine a cause of death.

In January, 2023, RCMP identified the remains as James Vernon Giesbrecht, a 37-year-old male from Brandon. James had been reported missing from the Brandon area on December 12, 2022.

His death is being investigated as a homicide.

“We believe a number of people encountered and interacted with James in late September and early October,” said Cpl. Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. “We need those people to immediately come forward and call the Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110. These individuals likely have vital information about his movements and acquaintances during that time that could significantly help the investigation.”

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen James in late September or early October to contact the RCMP by calling the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110.

Due to the ongoing investigation, the RCMP cannot provide any additional information.