Media Release Friday, December 11, 2015 Homicide Uj le — Arrest - C14-174517 As previously reported, on August 17, 2014 at approximately 1:30 p.m. a body was recovered from the Red River in the area of the Alexander Docks. The victim was identified as 15-year-old Tina FONTAINE. Tina had been reported missing ‘on August 9, 2014 and was last seen in the downtown area of Winnipeg on Friday, August 8. After extensive investigation and assistance from the public, members of the Homicide Unit were able to identify a suspect. On December 9, 2015, the suspect was arrested in Vancouver by members of the Winnipeg Police Service Homicide Unit. Raymond Joseph CORMIER, 53 years of Winnipeg has been charged with Second Degree Murder for his alleged involvement. He was detained in custody. For information contact Winnipeg Police Service Public Information Officer(s) 1 Constable Jason Michalyshen | Constable Eric Hofley Kelly Dehn - Manager of Public Affairs Phone: 204-986-3061 E-mail: WPS-PIO@winnipeg.ca Web: www.winnipeg.ca/police Follow us on Twitter @wpgpoliceDecember 11, 2015 1a Fontaine was reported missing on August 9th, 2014. Her body was recovered from the Red River on August 17th, 2014. Her death was determined to be a homicide. The Homicide Unit entered what has become a long and complicated investigation, The murder of this child, and let's not forget that she was a child, has shocked and outraged our community, That outrage has resonated across our nation. Today, | am informing the public that Raymond Joseph Cormier, has been charged with 2 degree murder in the death of Tina Fontaine. Raymond Cormier, is 53 years old. He is originally from New Brunswick, but has been residing in Winnipeg for several years. He was arrested on Wednesday (December 9") in the Vancouver area where he has been remanded into custody until arrangements can be secured to transport him back to Winnipeg, This is what | am prepared to share with you regarding the events that led up to Tina’s murder: ‘As you know Tina was in the care of Child and Family Services. She ran away from the hotel where she ‘was residing on August 8th. One of the challenges for investigators was tracking Tina's movement in the days leading up to her murder. Investigators know that Tina was highly vulnerable and was exploited during her time on the run. Investigators discovered that Tina frequented a residence on the east side of the city. Investigators also discovered that Raymond Cormier often frequented this same residence. It is believed that Tina and Cormier were acquainted. Itis believed that Tina and Cormier had a several encounters, and that he murdered her on their last encounter. Cormier has been involved in criminal activity throughout his adult life. He has numerous convictions from across Canada. These convictions have ranged from simple breaches to serious violent offences. He has been in and out of correctional institutions throughout his life. This has been a challenging investigation. Justice officials authorized murder charges after being presented with evidence gathered through forensic examinations, witness interviews, and covert operations. This investigation was coordinated with assistance from many in the police community. I want to thank Chief Adam Palmer and the Vancouver Police Service, Chief Roger Chaffin and the Calgary Police Service, along with Assistance Commissioner Kevin Brousseau and the RCMP at D Division and E Division who had key supporting roles assisting us with this investigation. | also want to thank RCMP Superintendent Shahin Mehdizadeh who provided guidance and support during this investigation. Internally, | want to acknowledge the work of Staff Sergeant Paul Isaak and his team in Forensic Services, along with Sergeant Michelle Galloway and her team in Organized Crime. These teams had vital roles in this investigation. Lastly, | want to acknowledge the work of Sergeant John O'Donovan and the Homicide Unit. Despite the challenges, John and his team never gave up on this investigation. His tenacity and skill as an investigator are the reason Raymond Cormier is charged with the murder of Tina Fontaine,aexnowiedte ne assistance of the men and women from these me to n mendes at we i” the police community are also members of the “pocked and ona BY te violence we observe directed against general community. We are just aS jolence we o0ser¥e directed at indigenous women and children in women in general, and the violenc mo our assis ata moment's notice without question or regard particular. All of these agencies ¢3! ‘The reason | have taken the ti police agencies and units is to make for the race or gender of the victim sinvea support t© Tela Fave, and the family and fiends of Tina Finally, want toextend our cOniNUE a nd frends of al missing and murdered indigenous ia it eee ve ors ee your pain, but We will do our best to discover what happened to your women. We will never fully kno 7 loved ones. ray Ane estigation help Te’ Family discover the truth and find justice 1ope our efforts in this inv Deputy Chief Danny Smyth Winnipeg Police Service