Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026

TB26032479

A Thunder Bay Police Service Major Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges.


On August 15, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit attended a business on Dawson Road in response to reports of an assault.


A search of the area led to an injured individual being located and transported to a local hospital for treatment.


The Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation.


On August 17, 2026, the victim died as a result of their injuries.


On August 18, 2026, a suspect was located and arrested.


Further investigation led to a second suspect being located and arrested on August 19, 2026.


As a result of the investigation, 29-year-old Sheyenne ACHNEEPINESKUM from Thunder Bay and a 30-year-old Aaron BEAVER of Thunder Bay are facing a manslaughter charge.


Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.


The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

August 19, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to announce the acquisition of a ballistics lab. The facility was developed to provide the Thunder Bay Police Service Forensic Identification (Ident) Unit with a dedicated, controlled space for firearms-related forensic work. The facility will allow trained Ident members to safely conduct test firing and recover bullets and other ballistic evidence for examination and comparison. The container was custom built locally by StrongBox Inc with ballistic safety panels which allows officers to conduct testing in the safest manner. The bullet recovery tank was purchased from Cyber National Inc out of the US which was recommended by the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences as one of the best options in North America and is certified to withstand shots up to .50 Caliber ammunition testing. Some of the main benefits include: • A dedicated and controlled environment for firearms testing and bullet recovery. • Improved efficiency by allowing this work to be completed locally rather than relying on outside facilities • Faster processing of firearms-related evidence and reduced delays in investigations • Improved ability to recover bullets in a condition suitable for subsequent forensic examination and comparison • Increased operational capability for the Forensic Identification Unit and support for major and firearms-related investigations The project was supported through Community Safety and Policing (CSP) grant funding, which assisted with the purchase of the bullet recovery system, and other equipment required to establish the facility.
August 18, 2026
TB26032479 Investigation update The Thunder Bay Police Service has updated an ongoing assault investigation to a sudden death investigation. Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1000 block of Dawson Road in the afternoon of August 15, 2026. A female was located and transported to a local hospital with injuries. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe there is no risk to public safety at this time. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.
August 17, 2026
TB26032582 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the 400 block area of Edward Street area around 3:15 AM on Sunday, August 16, 2026 in response to an alarm at a retail location. Officers arrived within minutes and observed that multiple retail locations had been damaged and the suspects had fled. As a result of the ongoing investigation, a person was located and arrested. A 14-year-old was charged with Break and Enter, and Theft Under $5,000. The accused was released with a future court date. The identity of the accused cannot be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.