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

Missing Person: Leanne BARKMAN, 33

June 29, 2026
TB26024976 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Leanne BARKMAN. BARKMAN is described as an Indigenous female standing 5’ 4”, weighing roughly 160 lbs, with shoulder-length straight brown hair with blonde highlights, and brown eyes. Leanne usually wears black sunglasses. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a light grey tank top, and black short boots with heels. 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 .

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to aggravated assault charges

June 26, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in aggravated assault charges. On June 24, 2026, officers responded to the Bay Street area in response to a report regarding an assault. On scene an injured male was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified, located, and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Biaggio DONOVAN from Thunder Bay and 32-year-old Marissa DOKUCHIE from Thunder Bay have both been charged with aggravated assault. DONOVAN is also facing a fail to comply with probation order charge. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. 

Thunder Bay Police Service announces the extension of Project Support

June 26, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is announcing the extension of Project Support: A Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative. The pilot project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit (ETU) is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The project was set to operate for 60 days from April 20, 2026, to June 19, 2026. The extension will keep the project running until September 1, 2026. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. During patrols, the first step of contact is with a TBPS Social Navigator offering referrals to appropriate services like social services, or addiction supports. If an individual declines to be referred but continues to participate in unlawful, or disruptive activities like illicit drug use, then officers will proceed with enforcement. From April 20 through the end of May, Project Support has recorded: • 1,485 community contacts • 113 referrals generated, 53 accepted • 25 warrants executed during downtown patrols Throughout the pilot project, downtown core businesses have provided feedback on the initiative. As Project Support continues, patrols will continue to be focused on the following areas: • Red River Road • Cumberland Street • Court Street • Algoma Street • May Street • Victoriaville area Priority areas within the patrol zones will include: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement Following the completion of the Project, TBPS will conduct a formal evaluation and will make a determination regarding continuation into the fall.