Family looking for accountability after ‘flawed’ RCMP investigation

A Manitoba family wants accountability claiming their loved one took his own life following undue harm and stress as the result of an RCMP investigation that now appears to have been paused indefinitely.

Michael Heckl Jr.’s daughter Kristen Heckl Prystupa claims the RCMP wrongly accused their loved one in Project Decrypt, an investigation into alleged money laundering and an illicit cannabis operation in the Springfield area. 

The 66-year-old leaves behind a massive family, including his three grandkids, dying five days before his 67th birthday and just over a week before his 40th wedding anniversary.

“They left him feeling like he had no way out of this. Like they had already made up their minds,” explained Kristen Heckl Prystupa.

A Dec. 5 news release indicated Heckl Jr., was one of seven charged, but his family claims he had no previous criminal record, and got involved as a legitimate investor.

RCMP noted his charges had been stayed due to his death, but his family has maintained his innocence from day one.

“I miss just being able to talk to him. I miss getting his texts telling me to have a great day and that he loved him, I miss seeing him interact with his grandchildren that adored him. I miss his positive energy. I just miss everything about him.”

Heckl Prystupa says the RCMP and Crown Prosecutors have been uncooperative when it comes to offering any insight into the investigation.

 Earlier this month the case was closed with the other six men charged having their proceedings stayed. 

“It’s unacceptable, that’s really the only word I can use to describe it, it’s unacceptable,” said Heckl Prystupa. 

An RCMP statement to CityNews said it takes allegations of mistreatment “very seriously” and encourages those who believe they were subjected to such behaviour to make a complaint to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada refused an interview and would not comment on the case specifically, but told CityNews in a statement it only works on cases where “there is a reasonable prospect of conviction, and the prosecution is in the public interest.”

Heckl’s family says that’s not good enough, and they want answers.

“I think it’s a sign of a bigger problem. We’re dealing with people’s lives here. They’re not just collateral damage, they’re not just disposable and this has impacted my entire family.”