3 men charged with murder in death of man found in burnt-out car near Brandon: Manitoba RCMP

Manitoba RCMP have arrested three men in connection with the homicide of a Brandon man whose body was found in the trunk of a burnt-out vehicle last October.

The remains of James Vernon Giesbrecht, 37, were found in the trunk of stolen2007 Honda Accordin the rural municipality of Cornwallis in October, but he wasn't identified until January.

At a news conference Tuesday, Manitoba RCMP Supt. Rob Lasson said police have charged Redstone Wombdiska, 28, and Joseph Lindsay, 36, with first-degree murder in Giesbrecht's death.

Christopher Cutlip, 40, has been charged with second-degree murder, as police believe he had a less active role in the killing, investigators allegedTuesday.

All three were already in custody at the time of their arrests,an RCMP news release said.

Giesbrecht's mom, Jodie Anderson, said she felt like a weight had been lifted after the arrests.

"It was the best news I got all year, and I was happy because now I could lay my boy to rest," she told CBC on Tuesday.

Anderson said her son was a "gentle giant" who was passionate about sports and tried hard to provide a good life for his five children, even amidst his own struggles with addiction.

"He was a good kid. I just miss him so much," she said.

'Calculated and planned' killing: RCMP

Lasson said police believe Giesbrecht knew his killers and was "lured to his death," describing the homicide as "calculated and planned."

Giesbrecht didn't die as a result of the car fire and was dead before his body was placed in the car, Lasson said.

The car was then set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence, he said.

WATCH | Brandon man was victim of 'calculated and planned murder': RCMP

Brandon man was victim of 'calculated and planned' murder: RCMP

1 year ago

Duration 1:17

Manitoba RCMP Supt. Rob Lasson said James Vernon Giesbrecht was a proud father and brother who was brutally murdered by acquaintances.

Though the car Giesbrecht was found in was stolen from somewhere in Regina, police don't believethe person who stole it wasinvolved in the homicide, Lasson said.

Giesbrecht was reported missing in December 2022but hadn't been in touch with his family since October, police previously said.

Anderson said it wasn't uncommon for her sonto be out of contact for weeks oreven months at a time, which is why his family wasn't immediately concerned when they hadn't heard from him in a while last fall.

Around the time of his death, Giesbrechtwas living with family and seemed to be doing well in his recovery, his mom said.

"He was doing good because he was staying out of trouble," she said.

Lead investigator Sgt.Richard Sherringsaidhe couldn't comment on how Giesbrecht died,but said the victimknew his killers through the drug subculture in Brandon, where hewas livingaround the time of this death.

Investigators believe Giesbrecht was killed at a home in Brandon in the early hours of Oct. 13, 2022, the same day his remains were found,Sherring said.

In March of this year,RCMP issued a call for help from the public, seeking more information about the Honda Accord,which they had determined was seen in the Brandon area in early October and was connected to Giesbrecht's death.

The arrest wouldn't have been possible if not for tips from the public, which were crucial to the investigation, Lasson said.

"For James's loved ones, we realize this is only small consolation. Our condolences do go out to all those who knew him," he said.

"If there is anything that can provide you solace, please know that Manitobans worked together to solve James's murder."

3 men charged with murder in death of James Giesbrecht

1 year ago

Duration 2:10

Manitoba RCMP have arrested three men in connection with the homicide of a Brandon man whose body was found in the trunk of a burnt-out vehicle last October.