On December 14, a large police presence was reported near the 800 block of Finlayson Street and the 400 block of McKellar Street North in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay Police Service later confirmed the discovery of a deceased individual in the area, though they withheld the person’s identity.

Police announced that Levi Michael Lawson, 24, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with indignity to a human body. Court documents indicate that Lawson allegedly interfered with the remains of Deborah Anishinabie between December 5 and December 7.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation released a statement on Wednesday, confirming that Anishinabie’s family had been informed by police of her death and the subsequent arrest.

Update, on January 31st Lawson’s charge was upgraded to second-degree murder.

Update September 2025: Police are launching a new search for evidence as part of an ongoing investigation into a homicide case.

Starting Monday, September 22, officers from the Thunder Bay Police Service, working alongside the Ontario Provincial Police and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, will begin searching the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility. This search is connected to the investigation into the death of Deborah Anishinabie and will include efforts to locate partial human remains. It follows earlier searches carried out in the city’s south side earlier this year.