The 2021 Manitoba Homicide Victim List is available here.
RCMP Investigators have determined the death of two adults in a house fire in Northlands Denesuline First Nation (Lac Brochet) on September 9, 2021, was a homicide.
Thompson RCMP responded to a report of a house fire in Northlands Denesuline First Nation (Lac Brochet), Manitoba on September 9th at approximately 7:00am.
Brent Denechezhe, 31, and Leona Tssessaze, 24, were located deceased inside the burnt-out building.

Update: RCMP Major Crime Services have determined that on the evening of September 9, 2021, Brent, Leona, and a male suspect were together at Brent’s home. The suspect left the residence after a disagreement and later returned with a firearm. Investigators believe the homicides occurred upon this return visit. The suspect then left again, and returned moments later to the residence. The house was then seen engulfed in flames.
Autopsies confirmed the victims died as a result of injuries caused by the firearm.
On April 22, 2024, officers with Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services attended to Fond du Lac, Saskatchewan, where they arrested Leon Paul Mercredi, 22, and charged with two counts of First Degree Murder for the double homicide of Brent and Leona.
Mercredi is originally from Northlands Denesuline First Nation, but left the community shortly after the homicides occurred. He has been transported to Winnipeg, where he remains in custody.
Anyone with information to please call the RCMP tipline at 431-489-8112. While information is still being sought, investigators do not believe anyone else is involved in the shooting.
Update: Leon Paul Mercredi, 22, was apprehended on April 22, 2024 in Fond du Lac, Sask., and is facing two charges of first degree murder.