Alleged Winnipeg serial killer back in court Tuesday

The second day of the pre-trial of alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki was underway Tuesday at the Manitoba Law Courts building.

Skibicki is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of First Nations women Rebecca Contois, Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris and a fourth unidentified Indigenous woman known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman.

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service appeared in court Tuesday, however a publication ban remains in place on the evidence that was submitted.

Just like Monday, family members of the women were present in the courtroom, and many wore ribbon shirts and skirts. Some wore red dresses – symbols of lives that have been lost – red dress pins and carried eagle feathers.

Cambria Harris, the daughter of Morgan Harris, sat at the front row. Donna Bartlett, the grandmother of Marcedes Myran, was also in the front row on the other side of the room.

Some family members wore t-shirts bearing a photo of their loved ones. Among the sea of red, purple t-shirts worn by the Contois family stood out. Allana Contois, the sister of Rebecca Contois, says purple was chosen because it’s her sister’s favourite colour.

WATCH: Pretrial proceedings start for alleged Winnipeg serial killer

Family remained stoic inside the courtroom as evidence was presented. Tears were shed by some and many sat close together to give each other comfort.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty Monday, remained mostly still and looked forward as officers spoke. Upon being escorted to and from the courtroom, he avoided looking at the family members however as evidence was presented, his interest seemed piqued.

The trial continues Wednesday.