WINNIPEG — The family of Ashlee Shingoose, a First Nations woman murdered by a Winnipeg serial killer, will have the opportunity to present victim impact statements in court. This special hearing is set for August 15, one year after the killer's conviction. The Manitoba Court of King’s Bench has approved a request from the Crown for this hearing to allow for the submission of victim and community impact statements.

In a statement released Thursday, the court noted, "The court has agreed that holding a hearing to receive and validate the victim and community impact statements relating to a now identified victim in a concluded first-degree murder case is both appropriate and necessary in these exceptional circumstances."

Shingoose, who was 30 years old at the time of her death, was originally from the St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation in northern Manitoba. She was one of four First Nations women killed by Jeremy Skibicki in 2022. During Skibicki's trial, it was revealed that he targeted vulnerable women at homeless shelters in Winnipeg and disposed of their bodies in garbage bins. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison last August.

At the time of the trial, Shingoose had not yet been identified and was referred to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, a name given to her by Indigenous community members. Earlier this year, police announced that interviews with Skibicki and DNA evidence led to the identification of Buffalo Woman as Shingoose.

The court emphasized that this hearing is crucial for Shingoose's family to have the same opportunity as the families of other victims to acknowledge her dignity and the impact of her death. The court stated, "It is an opportunity that would have been afforded them had Ms. Shingoose been identified prior to the sentencing of Mr. Skibicki for her murder, a sentencing which is now complete."

Authorities first became aware of Skibicki's crimes when the remains of Rebecca Contois were discovered in a garbage bin in May 2022. Additional remains were later found at the Brady Road landfill. The remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran were also discovered this year at the Prairie Green landfill, north of Winnipeg. It is believed that Shingoose's remains were also sent to the Brady Road landfill. Premier Wab Kinew has assured Shingoose's family that a search for her remains will take place, although a timeline for this search has not yet been announced.

Skibicki admitted to the murders but claimed he was not criminally responsible due to mental illness. Chief Justice Glenn Joyal presided over the trial and found him guilty. He is expected to oversee the upcoming hearing, where he will provide further details about its unique circumstances. The court clarified that while it cannot compel Skibicki to attend, his lawyers will be present. The court also noted that the trial is concluded and that nothing will affect Skibicki's legal status.