UPDATE: Police conducting landfill search in relation to homicide investigation

September 22, 2025

TB24050228

September 22, 2025
 
Police are undertaking a new evidence search relating to a continuing investigation.
 
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service, with assistance from Ontario Provincial Police and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, will conduct a search for evidence beginning on Monday, September 22, at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of the homicide investigation into the death of Deborah Anishinabie. This will include a search for partial human remains. This effort follows previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year.
 
There is no threat to public safety.
 
The Thunder Bay Police Service offers its continued support to members of Deborah’s family and community and recognizes that this news will be troubling and may be traumatizing. There is a deeply emotional connection to this search and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Indigenous women and girls are more likely to go missing or to be murdered than non-Indigenous women and girls.
 
We encourage anyone affected or triggered by this development to access available support through family, Elders or community resources such as those listed below.
 
The police service has continued to work with and liaise with the family throughout the ongoing investigation and expresses appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their support.
 
Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at
www.p3tips.com.
 
No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided to media when they become available.
 
Support resources: 
• Beendigen: Crisis Line: 807-346-HELP (4357) or 1-888-200-9997 
• Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre: 807-345-5840 or 1-855-345-5840 
• NAN Hope 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673) 
• Ontario Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816 
• Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Phone: 807-623-0383 
• Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051
 
Previous media release: 
https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/update-death-determined-to-be-homicide-accused-charged-with-murder
 

 
For Further Information Contact: 
Tracie Smith, Director, Corporate Communications
Thunder Bay Police Service 
807-621-2040

April 29, 2026
TB26015704 An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. The investigation led to a home and vehicle being searched in the Limbrick Street area on April 28, 2026. During the searches suspected crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, morphine capsules, items associated with drug trafficking and over $8,000 Canadian cash was seized. The approximate total value of the suspected controlled substances is $81,600.00. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Justine BEELEY of Thunder Bay and 43-year-old Jeffery MCCARTHY of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were released from custody following their first court appearance, with a future court date.
April 29, 2026
TB26007663, TB26008444, TB26015656 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On February 28, 2026, officers with the Traffic Unit were on patrol in the Simpson Street area. A bright blue Dodge pickup truck was seen exiting a business parking lot with invalid plates. Officers determined that the driver of the vehicle was using a plate not authorized for the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop on Walsh Street East. While an officer was approaching the vehicle, the driver put the car in reverse and drove towards the officer at a high rate of speed hitting a police cruiser, before leaving the scene. No officers sustained injuries during the interaction. The pickup truck was located a short while later at the intersection of Arthur Street East and Syndicate Avenue south in a snowbank. The driver had fled the scene. On March 6, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Windsor Street South area when they located a sleeping driver behind the wheel of a running vehicle with incorrect plates. When officers tried to speak to the driver, they fled the scene. On April 28, 2026, officers located the suspect in both incidents. Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit arrested the suspect in the Pearl Street area while on patrol as part of Project Support an initiative aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The arrest occurred following a brief foot pursuit. As a result of multiple investigations, 40-year-old Randall NAULT from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud) • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (three counts) • Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance • Dangerous operation (two counts) • Flight from peace officer (two counts) • Failure to comply with release order (five counts) • Aggravated assault of peace officer (Assault Level 3) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Failure to stop after accident (two counts) • Theft under $5,000 • Resist peace officer The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance. Thank you to members of the public for their assistance with identifying the accused following a Thunder Bay Police Service public appeal for information.
April 27, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a sudden death following a collision involving a train and a pedestrian. The incident occurred on the evening of April 25, 2026, near Fort William Road. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to the scene where a deceased individual was located. The Forensic Identification Unit and Traffic Unit are involved in the investigation. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.