Manitoba Woman Missing Since 2023 Found Dead: Homicide Unit Launches Investigation
After nearly two years of uncertainty, the remains of 32-year-old Leah Keeper, missing since 2023, have been confirmed. Winnipeg police now classify her death as suspicious, and the Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Family and community members are demanding answers as this tragic case highlights the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Rochelle Silver
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Winnipeg police have confirmed a tragic update in a case that has haunted the community for nearly two years. The remains of 32-year-old Leah Keeper, a woman from Sagkeeng First Nation who went missing in 2023, have been positively identified through DNA testing.
The discovery of her remains marks a heartbreaking conclusion to years of uncertainty for her family and friends. Initial findings indicate that her death is suspicious, prompting the Winnipeg Police Homicide Unit to take over the investigation. Police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death.
Leah was last seen in Winnipeg in 2023. Reports indicate she had lost contact with her family, who reported her missing when they could no longer reach her. Partial human remains were discovered in November 2025 in a lane near Selkirk Avenue, but it took months of careful DNA testing to confirm her identity.
Her family describes Leah as a warm and lively individual, a mother of two, whose disappearance has left a lasting impact on her community. Relatives have expressed deep grief and are seeking answers, emphasizing the need for justice and transparency in the ongoing investigation.
This case comes amid a broader crisis in Canada involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG). Advocates say Leah’s story highlights the persistent vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous women, and the urgent need for preventive measures, support systems, and swift investigative processes.
The Winnipeg Police Homicide Unit is urging anyone with information related to Leah Keeper’s disappearance or the circumstances of her death to come forward. Police stress that community cooperation is crucial in resolving this case and bringing justice to Leah and her family.
Community leaders and organizations have expressed solidarity with Leah’s family, calling for increased awareness of MMIWG issues. They encourage citizens to report any relevant information to local authorities and to support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable women in Manitoba.
This tragic update serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to address violence against Indigenous women in Canada. As the investigation continues, Leah Keeper’s family and the wider community hope for answers, accountability, and justice.
Key Updates & Facts:
- Leah Keeper, 32, from Sagkeeng First Nation
- Went missing in Winnipeg, 2023
- Partial remains found in November 2025 near Selkirk Avenue
- DNA testing confirmed identity
- Death classified as suspicious; Homicide Unit investigating
- Family seeks answers; highlights MMIWG crisis
