Second-degree murder charges laid in Thunder Bay sudden death investigation from December

A Thunder Bay Police Service sign. (File photo/CTV News)

Thunder Bay police say a man is facing a murder charge after a sudden death in December last year.

On the afternoon of Dec. 14, 2024, officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) discovered a deceased individual.

The remains were located in the area of the 800 block of Finlayson Street and the 400 block of McKellar Street North.

“Members of the major crimes unit and forensic Identification unit became involved in the investigation,” police said in a news release.

“A suspect was arrested … on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, and charged with indignity to a human body.”

Police later confirmed the victim in the case to be 41-year-old Deborah Anishinabie of Sandy Lake First Nation – who was the subject of a missing persons alert.

Anishinabie was last seen Dec. 5 around 2 a.m. leaving New Newfie’s Pub on Simpson Street.

As a result of the continued investigation, the accused, a 24-year-old man also from Sandy Lake First Nation, has also been charged with second-degree murder.

The accused appeared in court on Jan. 31 and was remanded with a future court appearance date.

Thunder Bay police said the investigation into the death is ongoing and anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to contact police at 807-684-1200. The reference number for the case is TB24050228.

“This case highlights the ongoing dedication of TBPS units, including major crimes and forensic identification, to ensure justice is served,” said police.