Murder charge in Tanya Nepinak's death stayed

The second-degree murder charge againstkiller Shawn Lamb in the death of Tanya Nepinak has been stayed, CBC News has learned.

Lamb, 54,pleaded guilty last weekto manslaughter in the deaths of 25-year-old Carolyn Sinclair and 18-year-old Lorna Blacksmith,in exchange for police reducing the charges from second-degree murder.

Lamb received a 20-year prison sentence, which has beenreduced to 18 yearsbecause of the time hehas already served in custody. He will be eligible to apply for parole in nineyears.

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At the time of Lamb's sentencing, there was no mention in court of the outstanding second-degree murder charge he facedin the death of Nepinak, 31.

All Lamb's lawyer, Martin Glazer, told reporters last weekwas, "Stay tuned."

Lambhas denied having any involvement in Nepinak's death.

Herbody has never been recovered, despitea police search of the Brady Road landfill last year.

Members ofNepinak'sfamily toldCBC News they were informed of the news on Wednesday.

"When my sister first heard, she just burst out crying," Susan Caribou,Nepinak'saunt, said Friday.

"We've been crying since we heard. I don't know if we'll ever get any justice."

Family members said they still believe Lamb was responsible forher death, and they're upset that they won't get their day in court.

Part of plea deal?

SourcestoldCBC News the staying of thechargewas part of the plea dealthat resulted inLamb pleading guilty in the deaths of Sinclair and Blacksmith.

However, Manitoba Justice officials insistit was notpart of the plea deal, saying the only reason the charge in Nepinak's casewas stayed was because Crown prosecutors felt there was not enough evidence for a conviction.

Crown prosecutor Sheila Leinburd said there was notenough evidence to proceed with the charge against Lamb.The charge was stayed on Thursday.