Winnipeg Police are investigating the murder of an Indigenous woman who died in hospital on August 20, 2022, after suffering severe burns to her body.
The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Melissa Cook from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. She had been living in Winnipeg since April.
Police say that they were notified on August 25, 2022, by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office that an autopsy indicated her death was a homicide.
Investigators believe that while Melissa was in Winnipeg she was unhoused and lived in the encampments. She also spent time in the South Point Douglas area and Siloam Mission.
It is likely that she was burned sometime in late June or early July. She told workers at a shelter of her injuries in early July and was transported to hospital.
Investigators need help to learn more about Melissa and her activities over the summer.
Anyone who knew Melissa or knew about her injuries or anyone who may have also been victimized similarly is asked to contact investigators at (204)986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477
