Facebook photo of Teresa Robinson, an 11-year-old girl on a remote Manitoba reserve who's death is being treated as a homicide.Page: RIP Teresa Robinson
Her death is being investigated as a homicide, but the search for 11-year-old Teresa Robinson is not over.
Hundreds of volunteers spent the long weekend scouring the remote bush around Garden Hill First Nations in northern Manitoba, searching by foot, water and air for the rest of Teresa's remains and for any clues as to who may have killed the pretty, brown-haired girl with a sweet smile.
Residents initially believed Teresa had been mauled by an animal, perhaps a bear. Partial remains were found in a wooded area on May 11 – six days after she was reportedly last seen leaving a birthday party in the fly-in community about 500 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.
David Harper, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents First Nations in the province's north, was raised in Garden Hill. He was in the community Monday, offering help with the search and support to Teresa's family.
"The family wants answers," Mr. Harper said. "Their main concentration today and for the next few days is to search for the remains."
Mr. Harper noted that searchers found a pair of shoes Sunday that are believed to have belonged to Teresa. A bracelet was also recovered.
Mr. Harper said any items found are being turned over to the RCMP, which are investigating the young girl's death.
The Mounties announced on Friday that Teresa's death was being investigated as a homicide.
"While her remains were disturbed by animals, there is no evidence to suggest that animals played a role in her death," the RCMP said in a statement.
A positive identification hadn't yet been made, but police noted both they and the community believe the remains were of Teresa.
The cause of death is not being released. Investigators suspect foul play was involved.
The RCMP were not notified of the young girl's disappearance until May 8. They declined to disclose a timeline of her disappearance due to its "relevance to this investigation."
Mr. Harper said local searches were performed before the RCMP were contacted.
A candlelight vigil was held last week in Garden Hill to remember Teresa. Another vigil took place Monday in Winnipeg.
"Every time we see little Teresa's picture … it really hits you hard," Mr. Harper said.
Additional search aid is still needed, he noted. He said some helicopter pilots have travelled from Ontario to help.
Several of Teresa's relatives, including her grandparents, reside outside of Garden Hill. Before travelling to the community from Winnipeg last week, her teary-eyed cousin Chantelle Little told reporters that Teresa was a "brave girl."
The youngest of five children, Teresa was very close to her father, Ms. Little added. The girl's father lives in Garden Hill.
"This is so hard," Ms. Little said. "We are actually going to Garden Hill to find out more about what happened with Teresa."
Renata D’Aliesio