Pre-trial against alleged Winnipeg serial killer concludes

As the families of slain Indigenous women exited the Manitoba Law Courts Wednesday, they were greeted by the sound of singing and drums.

The music by Indigenous singer YB Nakota capped off what a loved one of Rebecca Contois called “a good day in court” with “many emotions.”

Wednesday concluded the pre-trial against alleged Winnipeg serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, who has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder.

The families of Contois, Morgan Harris, and Marcedes Myran were present in the courtroom throughout the entire pre-trial and Wednesday was no different.

Myran’s grandmother Donna Bartlett arrived early to set up photos of her granddaughter on the bench outside the courtroom. Relatives of Harris, including her daughter Cambria Harris and her cousin Melissa Robinson, sat in the front row.

Many visual representations of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender Diverse people were seen in the form of ribbon skirts and shirts, t-shirts and sweaters and jewelry worn by the family members. Contois’ family wore red t-shirts displaying her photo.

At the end of court, the families seemed to breathe a great sigh of relief. As the judge exited, they stood up and gave a round of applause. A deep voice was heard saying, “you’ll reap what you sow, Jeremy.”

Skibicki did not react and kept his eyes forward.

A publication ban remains in place and family members declined to speak on camera Wednesday, but Contois’ sister Stephanie provided CityNews with a written statement.

“We feel many emotions, mostly relief on the decision made,” she said. “Last week was very traumatizing and overwhelming for us and we realize that today is only the beginning but we’re getting closer to justice.

“Rebecca was such a good-hearted person, very giving and beautiful inside out. She will forever be with us in our hearts and in this long journey ahead.

“Tears of happiness for us and the other families and a huge thank you to the Crown Attorneys for all their hard work.”

The trial against Skibicki begins next April.