The death of an 11-year-old girl on a remote Manitoba reserve is now being investigated as a homicide, RCMP say.
Teresa Robinson was reported missing on May 11 from the Garden Hill First Nation in northern Manitoba. The body of a female youth was found by a community search party that same day in a wooded area. Although the body has yet to be identified, police believe it is Teresa.
Residents had speculated that the young girl was mauled by an animal on her way home from a birthday party on the reserve. But police said Friday that Teresa was attacked by animals after her death.
“Foul play is suspected, and Teresa’s death is being investigated as a homicide,” Island Lake RCMP said. “While her remains were disturbed by animals, there is no evidence to suggest that animals played a role in her death.”
Police said an autopsy began earlier in the week, and “aspects” of that process are continuing.
No arrests have been made.
David Harper, grand chief of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, said Robinson was last seen leaving a birthday party at around 9 p.m. on May 5.
Teresa’s disappearance wasn’t reported to police until almost a week after she was believed to be last seen. Family members thought she may have been staying with a friend.
Police are now investigating the timeline of Robinson's disappearance.
The incident triggered a ground search by community members and the reserve’s school.
Teresa would have turned 12 on May 14. Classmates and friends are struggling to cope with the loss.
"I just feel bad for her, it was her birthday yesterday," said Brennon Harper.
Garden Hill First Nation is a fly-in community of roughly 2,600 people, located 500 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.
With files from The Canadian Press and a report from CTV News' Jill Mcyshon
