Man missing nearly 1 year from northern Manitoba believed to be homicide victim: RCMP

A 22-year-old man missing from his northern Manitoba community since October 2021 is now believed to be a homicide victim, RCMP said on Tuesday.

Rico Cody Linklater was last seen earlyon Oct. 21, 2021, inNisichawayasihk Cree Nation, alsoknown as Nelson House.

At the time, investigators believed Linklater was still in the communityabout 665 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, or possibly in Thompson, Man.

Over the past year, the community has conducted searches andLinklater's family has held a news conference pleading for information.

Police on Tuesday did not say why they have come to the conclusion that Linklateris dead.

All they said in a news release is thatofficers from major crime services, search and rescue and the underwater recovery teams are in thearea and expect tobe there until Saturdayto continue the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Nelson House RCMPat 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, orleave a secure tip online.