Manitoba RCMP identify infant human remains, asking public for help with investigation

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba are seeking more information to help with the investigation after the remains of a baby were identified.

In June 2024, human remains were found on a property near Highway 6 in the RM of Grahamdale. RCMP initially believed the remains belonged to a baby, but it has now been identified as Zaiva Sky Lynn Butler, who is believed to have died between one and two years old.

His remains were found in a warehouse on the property and his death was investigated as a homicide. An RCMP statement said investigators were able to identify him until about a year before his death.

Police said there have been no reports of her missing and are now asking the public to help identify photos of Zaiva after March 2022. "Hopefully these photos will be dated and timed so we can create a better timeline of his life. "We're also asking anyone who saw him after March 2022 to contact us," said Cpl. Jill Slobodzian.

According to Major Paul Manaiger, Zaiva's family lived on the property and he was originally from the Pinaimutang Auliya nation. "The family lived on Highway 6 and the remains were found in a barn on that property, which now belongs to a new owner," Manager said.

He also mentioned that the investigation includes examining Zaiva's timing before her death. "We are trying to retrace his steps and determine the last moments of his life. "We understand that he was with his family at the time and that several people were helping to care for him."

Manaiger stressed that Zaiva was not in the care of CFS (Family Care Services) and that the RCMP was in contact with her family.

Chief of the Pinaimutang Elder Nation, Corvis Anderson, said the confirmation of Zaiva's death had sent an outpouring of grief through the community. "The community has been hurt," he said. "We're looking for the answers that the RCMP are looking for."

In a statement, Manitoba Youth Representative Sherry Gatt said the organization is aware of the case and is "deeply affected" by the discovery. “Due to the ongoing nature of the police investigation, our office is unable to provide further comment. "We're asking anyone with information, even if it's small, to come forward and help the RCMP shed light on this situation and bring justice."

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