Thunder Bay, Ont., police search city landfill as part of Deborah Anishinabie homicide investigation

< warm>WARNING: This story contains disturbing inside information.

A police force look is underway at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of an investigation into the death of Deborah Anishinabie, the northwestern Ontario city's police force announced Monday.

Anishinabie, 42, of Sandy Lake First Nation was declared dead on Dec. 14 after a search in the area of the 800 block of Finlayson Street and the 400 block of McKellar Street North in Thunder Bay.

Levi Michael Lawson has been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a human body.

In a news release, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) said the landfill search is being conducted with assistance from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), and it includes looking for "partial human remains."

There is no threat to public safety, police said.

Anishinabie's family issued a statement through the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) executive council on Monday that paid tribute to their loved one.

"Deborah will always be remembered for her radiant, bubbly spirit and the warmth she carried wherever she went," the statement said. "She had a way of lighting up every room, making people feel seen, heard and loved. She was eagerly pursuing a career in health care, and her determination, strength and kindness inspired not only her classmates, but also everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

"Deborah was devoted to her family," the family said. "We were her heart, just as she is ours. Deborah was  never far from us, constantly checking in with friends and loved ones. She always had so  much love to give. In her work, she poured every ounce of that same compassion into the  people she cared for.

"Deborah had a unique gift — one that left a mark on every soul she touched."

NAN said the investigation has been heartbreaking and difficult for Anishinabie's family.

"We had always hoped that Deborah would be returned to her loving family," NAN said in a statement. "Our prayers are with her family, friends and everyone in Sandy Lake who are suffering and continue to grieve. We ask the Creator to give them strength during the difficult days ahead.

"This investigation has been heartbreaking, and the next phase of this investigation will be especially difficult for the family. We have joined them in ceremony as they prepared for today's announcement and will continue to support them in any way possible."

Individuals impacted by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649. Kids can also call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. If you are struggling right now, you can call 988.

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