Mother of murder victim continues fast at Regina landfill to press for search

Warning: This story discusses a murder. Please read with care. Michele Bear is one week into a hunger strike outside the City of Regina Landfill. The mother of Richele Bear, who was murdered by a serial killer in 2013, is only taking fluids as she camps outside the massive dump. “Regina Police have told me they believe my daughter’s remains are in the landfill,” Michele said during an interview with APTN News Thursday. “But they won’t search for her.” The grieving mom is using three small tents for fasting, sleeping and toileting, and a fourth to visit with friends and allies. Three carfulls of people pulled up to donate bottled water and cigarettes during the interview. And some vehicles honked their horns, which Michele took as support. “Thank you,” she yelled and waved. “Bless you.” But it is her memories of Richele and the sorrow of her family that drives her, said the member of Thunderchild First Nation. “Richele was so, so smart, and a tremendous athlete … She got a full (college athletic) scholarship … We miss her every day. “It’s hard on my family,” she said of the pain. “It was time to do something.” Her daughter was 23 when she was murdered by Clayton Bo Eichler in Regina, along with Kelly Goforth, 21. Goforth’s body was found in a hockey bag outside a garbage dumpster but Richele’s remains were never found. Both victims were Indigenous women. “We have to go where the evidence points us,” said Lindsay Hoemsen, spokesperson for the Regina Police Service (RPS), “(and) there’s no evidence to suggest Richele’s remains are in the landfill. “As a police service we cannot close our eyes to the possibility. But she could be anywhere.” Still, Michele believes what she says she was told four years ago. “It’s sad (that) I, as an Indigenous woman, have to hold these people to account,” she said, noting no politicians have dropped by to visit her. A First Nations mother has set up a camp at the Regina landfill to press for a search for her murdered daughter. Photo: Kathleen Martens, APTN She is hoping Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will come see her, after he spearheaded a successful search for the remains of two First Nations women last year in that province. Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois and Ashlee Shingoose were all murdered in 2022 by convicted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki. Their remains were recovered in two landfills in and near Winnipeg. But the Winnipeg Police Service, despite knowing Skibicki disposed of the women’s bodies in city garbage bins, refused to search the landfill. It took a massive effort by their family members to lobby politicians at all levels for a year to net a search. Read more: Jeremy Skibicki found guilty of first-degree murder in the killings of four women Landfill search was a success, but politics played a role throughout the fight Michele is resolved to achieve the same. For her own healing and that of her children. She said RPS needs to ask the mayor to approve a search, who in turn must seek approval from  Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Surprisingly, it is the RPS that has been offering regular support during her hunger strike. Officers check on her well-being twice a day, she said. “We care about Michele and are in touch with her on a daily basis,” added Hoemsen. “We want an answer, too.” A spokesperson for Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said the city’s “hearts go out to Michele Bear and her family as they continue to search for their loved one.” Erin Navin said the city is monitoring the situation at the landfill. “… We are working with service partners to ensure the safety of Michele Bear, including the Regina Police Service who is regularly checking on her, ensuring her wellbeing.” Navin referred any further questions to the Regina Police Service. Continue Reading