UPDATE: Police conclude landfill search in relation to homicide investigation

December 22, 2025

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The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has completed a search for evidence at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of an ongoing homicide investigation in the city.
 
No new evidence was discovered as a result of this search.
 
“Providing closure for the family has been our priority,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Conducting this search was both necessary and appropriate, regardless of the outcome.”
 
The TBPS extends its ongoing support to Deborah’s family and community, mindful that this update may be painful and, for some, deeply traumatic.
 
Throughout the course of this investigation, the TBPS investigative team has remained in close partnership with Deborah’s family and expresses sincere appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their steadfast support.
 
The TBPS thanks the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Lac Seul Police Service and the City of Thunder Bay for assistance with the search. This includes providing members to conduct searches, coordination support, PPE and a command post.
 
The TBPS anticipates seeking provincial and federal assistance in cost recovery.
 
The search began on Monday, September 22, 2025 and ended on November 21, 2025.
 
This activity is inseparable from the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a tragedy in which Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate risks of violence and disappearance compared to non Indigenous women and girls.
 
Anyone who may be affected by this development is encouraged to seek strength and guidance through family, Elders, or community based supports, including the resources listed below.
 
This effort followed previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year and at the end of last year.
 
An investigation into locating missing person Deborah Anishinabie was triggered in December 2024, before becoming a homicide investigation.
 
Through the course of the investigation Levi Michael LAWSON was charged with Indignity to a Human Body and Second Degree Murder in relation to the ongoing investigation.
 
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.
 
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

Project Rave leads to significant suspected illicit drug seizure, dozens of charges

August 7, 2026
TB24047484 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has led to dozens of charges and a significant suspected illicit drug seizure. The investigation dubbed Project Rave focused on targeting drug trafficking activities in the downtown north core. The investigation focused on individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and the disruption of associated criminal networks operating in the area. Project Rave resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of approximately $300,000. The investigation also led to the arrest of six individuals, with a total of 37 charges laid under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. As a result of this investigation, the following seizures were made: • 2761.59 grams suspected Cocaine • 1167 suspected Percocet tablets • 383 grams suspected Crystal Methamphetamine • Currency more than $5000 • 2 vehicles • Brass knuckles and switchblade • 5 cellular devices • 4 digital scales Investigators additionally seized two vehicles and more than $5,000 in Canadian. On July 16, 2026, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, executed five search warrants at locations throughout the City of Thunder Bay. As a result of this investigation, the following individuals have been arrested as a result of Project Rave: David CAIRNS, 41 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (five counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (six counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Trentin HOLMQUIST, 22 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (four counts) • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (three counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Erica NEVERLY, 40 from Thunder Bay is 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 a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine Melanie PRIMEAU, 29 from Thunder Bay is 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 proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Celina SUTHERLAND, 39 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Jesse DAROSA, 35 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence CAIRNS and HOLMQUIST were remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. The remaining accused were released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation. The Thunder Bay Police Service also acknowledges valuable contributions of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Sudbury Police Service, and the Winnipeg Police Service, whose partnerships and assistance were instrumental to the success of this investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.

Missing Person: Clifton LOON, 25

August 6, 2026
TB26030592 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Clifton LOON. Clifton was last seen on August 3, 2026, in the Oliver Road area. LOON is described as an Indigenous male, standing 6’0”, weighing approximately 180 lbs, with black brush-cut hair, and brown eyes. Loon also has a tattoo on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and black pants. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Primary Response Unit break and enter investigation leads to charges

August 6, 2026
TB26028629 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Rowand Street area around 7:40 PM on July 21, 2026, in response to a report regarding a break and enter. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested following a brief foot pursuit. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Alexandre MICHAUD of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Break, enter dwelling house – commit indictable offence • Assault with a weapon (two counts) • Mischief under $5,000 • Obstruct peace officer The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.