News release
Update #4 – Manitoba RCMP getting closer on providing answers to Lynxleg family
April 2, 2025
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Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP
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Today marks five years since Melinda Lynxleg was last heard from by her loved ones.
The 40-year-old, from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, had been missing for over three years when her body was located on June 7, 2023, at an abandoned property in San Clara, Manitoba.
An autopsy confirmed her death was a homicide.
For the past five years, RCMP Major Crime Services, with assistance of the Roblin RCMP, have been working tirelessly to find answers for Melinda's family. More than 130 people were spoken to by police, as investigators followed up on every lead while canvassing the entire community.
Thousands of hours have been spent looking for answers, including a complete review of the entire investigation, which recently led to new information coming to light. This development has given the investigation forward momentum and officers are confident they’re even closer to finding answers for the Lynxleg family.
RCMP Major Crime Services continues to seek out any information someone may have. If you have not reached out to us before, please speak up now on behalf of Melinda Lynxleg.
The RCMP Major Crime Service Tip Line is 1-431-489-8042.
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On June 7, 2023, at an abandoned property in San Clara, Manitoba, RCMP investigators located remains. An autopsy was performed on June 8, 2023, and it was confirmed that the remains are those of Melinda Lynxleg, who has been missing since March 31, 2020. The autopsy also confirmed for investigators that Melinda’s death is a homicide.
RCMP Major Crime Services searched a rural property containing several structures. The property contained a small house and several outbuildings. RCMP Forensic Identification Services, RCMP Search and Rescue, and a Forensic Anthropologist, were all on scene assisting with the search.
“The RCMP does not give up on missing people,” said Sergeant Laura LeDrew, a Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services investigator. “More than three years of searching, conducting interviews, collecting evidence. We never stopped. Finding Melinda is an important part of this investigation. She can now go home. But our work is not done.”
The investigation is very much ongoing.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, please call the RCMP Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110.
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It has been more than three years since Melinda Lynxleg was seen. Police do believe that Lynxleg is deceased and are investigating her disappearance as a homicide.
New information has come forward that has led officers to an abandoned residence in San Clara.
Starting June 5, 2023, and continuing to June 6, 2023, there is a large police presence in the area. The RCMP Search and Rescue Team, RCMP Major Crime Services investigators, RCMP Forensic Identification Section, Roblin RCMP officers, and a forensic anthropologist are working in the area following up on the new information.
As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot disclose the reason for the police presence in the area, but want to assure the community there is no public safety threat.
The RCMP Major Crime Service Family Liaison has remained in contact with Melinda’s family, and they are aware of the new developments in the investigation.
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Roblin RCMP continue to search for missing 41-year-old Melinda Lynxleg of Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve (also known as Valley River First Nation). She has been missing since March 31, 2020, has not accessed her bank account, has had no contact with friends and family and has not been active on social media.
While trying to locate Melinda Lynxleg, RCMP officers have interviewed more than 50 people, followed up on a number of tips, and continue to liaise with partner agencies.
Melinda Lynxleg is described as 5'5”, 190 pounds (it is believed that she may have lost a significant amount of weight), with brown hair and brown eyes.
“These last 8 months have been a nightmare for our family,” said Betty Lynxleg, Melinda’s aunt. “Melinda’s six children are heart-broken that their mom isn’t home. She is loved and we all just want to know that she is okay. If anyone has seen her or has any information, please call police."
Anyone with information is asked to call Roblin RCMP at 204-937-2164 call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
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On April 16, 2020, at 2:40 pm, Roblin RCMP received a report of a missing 40-year-old female from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve (Valley River First Nation). Melinda Lynxleg was last seen on March 31.
Lynxleg is described as 5’5, 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
The RCMP are asking anyone with information to call the Roblin RCMP at 204-937-2164, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.