To his family, Jeremy Saunders was a beloved son, nephew, and cousin, but his most cherished role was being a father. A 29-year-old man from York Landing, Manitoba, Jeremy was a doting dad to five boys, one of whom was just a baby when his father’s life was taken. His aunt, Janet Flett, remembered him as a "fun-loving young nephew" who embraced the northern Manitoba landscape as a fisherman, hunter, and trapper. He was also involved in sports like baseball. His cousin, Martina Saunders, recalled watching him grow up. Above all, Jeremy’s life revolved around his children. "He adored his children," Flett said. "His sons were his life and … they're growing up without him."
On Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, Jeremy was visiting a residence in Ilford, a small community more than 700 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg. In the pre-dawn hours, just before 5:00 a.m., he left the house. A short time later, one of the other visitors discovered Jeremy lying outside.
He had sustained serious injuries and, despite medical intervention, he later died. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) quickly determined that his death was not an accident and ruled it a homicide.
The investigation into Jeremy's murder was launched immediately, handled by the RCMP Major Crime Services and the Gillam RCMP detachment. Investigators looked into the circumstances surrounding his final hours, seeking to understand what happened in the brief window between when he left the residence and when he was found mortally wounded. In the initial stages, the family felt they were kept informed, but as years passed with no arrests, they felt communication from law enforcement tapered off.
More than a decade later, Jeremy's family continues to fight for answers, refusing to let his memory fade or his case go cold. His five sons are growing up wanting to know who killed their father and why. In March 2024, to mark the 12th anniversary of his death, the family organized a "Justice for Jeremy" walk. Community members, elders, and the local chief and council joined Jeremy’s family to walk the 35 kilometers from his home community of York Landing to the spot in Ilford where he was found. Carrying posters with his photo, they held a prayer before they began and ended the emotional journey with a vigil, a church service, and a community feast.
The family’s pain remains palpable. "I just pray that someday the truth will come out and justice will be served," his aunt Janet said. "The family needs closure." His cousin Martina added, "we haven't given up. We haven't forgotten… We want this investigation to be active. We want a resolution. We want to know who's responsible for Jeremy's death." The family has vowed to hold the walk every year until they get justice, a powerful symbol of their enduring love and determination.
As of April 2024, no one has been charged in connection with Jeremy Saunders's homicide. The RCMP stated that the Major Crime Services continues to actively investigate the case and that officers had recently met with York Factory First Nation's chief and council and a family representative. "Investigators want nothing more than to provide answers to Jeremy's family and the community and will continue to work towards that," an RCMP spokesperson said. Police urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Tips can be provided to the Gillam RCMP at 204-652-2436 or anonymously to Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
