Update: Arrests made in the murder of Tamara Benoit in Portage la Prairie

Manitoba First Nation Police Service received information of possible human remains on September 3rd at approximately 11:30 pm, in Portage la Prairie.

Police said the remains were located near Cottonwood Drive and were identified as  36-year-old, Tamara (Norman) Benoit who was last heard from in May 2020. The cause of death has not been released at this time.

The death of Benoit is being investigated as a homicide. Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-888-673-3316.

Update December 15th
Police are looking for help from the public in locating and speaking with anyone who may have been with or seen Tamara prior to her death. Police know Tamara was a passenger in a black Dodge Ram truck seen in the background of this photo.

Anyone with information that would assist police with Tamara’s investigation or on the occupants of the Black Dodge Ram truck, please contact the RCMP tip line at 1-888-673-3316.

Update January 11th
RCMP said, Ryan Peters, 37, from Long Plain First Nation, was arrested on January 6, 2021, and charged with Second Degree Murder.

On January 8, 2021, Tova Jeanine Peters, 36, of no fixed address was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder and Accessory After the Fact to Murder in relation to the death of Tamara Benoit.

RCMP said “further arrests are anticipated.”

Update March 18th 2021
RCMP Major Crime Services investigators arrested a 16-year-old male from Winnipeg on March 16th and charged him with Second Degree Murder in the homicide of Tamara Benoit. Police said this is the same youth who was arrested in January 2021 and released without charges. He remains in custody.

The 2020 Manitoba Homicide Victim List is available here.

Details on Canada’s Top 10 Mass Murders based on numbers of victims is available here!