Steinbach man identified as Portage la Prairie homicide victim

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This article was published 21/07/2020 (1809 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RCMP say the victim of a homicide in Portage la Prairie is a 27-year-old man from Steinbach.

Gerhard Reimer-Wiebe, also known as George, was living in Winnipeg, where he frequented homeless shelters, Manitoba RCMP said Monday in a release.

Homicide detectives, forensic specialists, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had been working to identity Reimer-Wiebe’s remains since June 24, when RCMP were called to the vicinity of Baker Street in Portage la Prairie, after human remains were found.

Investigators determined the death was the result of a homicide.

On July 10, RCMP issued a description of the victim along with a plea for information on the man’s identity. Another plea for information was issued July 15.

In an investigation update Monday, RCMP said information received following the second plea led investigators to confirm the victim’s identity.

RCMP also released undated photographs of Reimer-Wiebe in the hopes that someone who recognizes him can provide details on his activities between May 15 and June 20.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RCMP Major Crime Services tip line at 431-489-8551.

On Tuesday, RCMP designated a property on Alfred Avenue in Winnipeg a “location of interest” that may be linked to the homicide.

A residence on the property caught fire June 20 and was demolished for safety reasons, RCMP explained in a release.

Investigators expect to spend three days at the property in the hopes of furthering the investigation.

Alfred Avenue between Salter Street and Aikins Street will be closed to through traffic while officers are on scene.

UPDATE July 21, 10:52 a.m. – writethrough, adds Tuesday information.