A 52-year-old Thompson man was arrested July 28 on a first-degree murder charge for the death of Bobbie Lynn Moose, who was found dead in Thompson just over 21 months earlier, on Oct. 17, 2019.
Jack Clarence Flett, 52, was arrested by RCMP Major Crime Services investigators around 4 p.m. that day and made his first court appearance before being transported to Winnipeg on July 31, where he remains in custody.
Flett and Moose knew each other, police say.
The charges come after an extensive investigation that included billboard and pamphlet advertising, pleas for information in English and Cree on Northern Manitoba radio stations and door-to-door canvassing by police in Thompson in February 2020.
“RCMP investigators have worked more than 25,000 hours on this investigation, conducting more than 400 interviews, speaking with more than 1,600 people, watching 52,560 hours of video surveillance, and distributing 1,000 pamphlets in Cree requesting information,” said Supt. Michael Koppang, Manitoba RCMP’s officer in charge of Major Crime Services. “The tireless efforts of our investigators and the support of the community have given us this outcome today.”
Moose’s body was found in a lot along Nelson Road between Station Road and Mystery Lake Road, a little more than two weeks after she was dropped off by her sister at Walmart Oct. 1, 2019. Moose was a member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation but frequently stayed in Thompson, though she didn’t have a residence. As recently as last October, on the one-year anniversary of Moose’s death, police said they still didn’t have all the information they needed about that 16-day time period.
“Violence against Indigenous women and girls in Manitoba and across Canada is an ongoing national tragedy, and we all have a role to play to reduce and, one day, eliminate this violence,” said Manitoba RCMP commanding officer Asst. Commissioner Jane MacLatchy. “This investigation relied on community involvement, support, and outreach, and I want to thank every person who supported our efforts in finding justice for Bobbie.”
The manager of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak’s (MKO) Missing and Murdered Women and Girls (MMIWG) Liasion Unit said the arrest of a suspect was a welcome development.
“I am pleased to hear of the arrest in relation to the murder of Bobbie Lynn Moose,” Hilda Anderson-Pyrz said in an Aug. 3 press release. “I thank the RCMP and all those who provided tips in helping lead to the arrest of Jack Flett. Today is an important day as we honour the spirit of Bobbie Lynn. With today’s announcement from the RCMP, the journey for justice begins. I want to ensure Bobbie’s family and loved ones that MKO will continue to do our utmost to pressure government leaders and policy makers to implement the 231 Calls for Justice [from the final report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG].”
