RCMP are seeking voluntary DNA samples from up to 2,000 men in Garden Hill First Nation in an effort to find evidence relating to the killing of 11-year-old Teresa Robinson last May.
Male residents between the ages of 15 and 50 are being asked to provide DNA samples.
“We can confirm that investigators have collected DNA samples from males of Garden Hill FN as one of several investigative techniques,” said Manitoba “D” Division RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Bert Paquet on the RCMP Manitoba Twitter account Feb. 4, adding that investigators will continue to utilize all available resources and techniques to solve the crime.
Robinson’s body was discovered last May 11, six days after going missing after attending a birthday party.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson, head of the organization that represents 31 Northern Manitoba First Nations, told the Winnipeg Sun she supported the DNA sweep, which is unusual on account of its scope.
Typically, police only use the samples they collect in such a sweep for the specific incident they are investigating.
Garden Hill First Nation, an Oji-Cree-speaking community, is located on Island Lake about 300 kilometres southeast of Thompson and comprises about 18,180 acres. It is only accessible in summer and fall by boat from Island Lake and Cochrane Bay, or by air, and in the spring and winter by air or ice road.
