3 men charged with murder of Brandon man, RCMP say man was lured to his death

Manitoba RCMP have charged three people in connection to the death of a Brandon man whose remains were found in a burnt-out vehicle late last year. 

James Vernon Giesbrecht's remains were found on October 12, 2022, the same day he was murdered, in the trunk of a burned 2007 Honda Accord on the outskirts of Brandon, Manitoba.

RCMP investigators worked with a Forensic Anthropologist and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains and determine a cause of death. 

In December 2022, Giesbrecht was reported missing.

In January of 2023, Giesbrecht, 37 years old, was identified as the victim using the National Forensics Lab. They also discovered he did not die as a result of the fire. 

Burned-out vehicle where Giesbrecht's remains were found (Manitoba RCMP)

RCMP say the Honda Accord was stolen from Regina, Saskatchewan, and they were able to identify the person responsible for stealing the vehicle, who was not involved in any way in the homicide. From there, they learned one of the suspects had taken possession of the stolen vehicle. 

With help from the public, RCMP were able to gain valuable information that they were able to link to the suspects. On Monday, three males were arrested.

28-year-old Redstone Wombdiska was arrested at Headingley Correctional Centre and charged with First Degree Murder. 36-year-old Joseph Lindsay was arrested at Stony Mountain Institution and charged with First Degree Murder, and 40-year-old Christopher Cutlip was arrested at the Brandon Correctional Centre and charged with Second Degree Murder.

Superintendent Rob Lasson, Officer in Charge of RCMP Manitoba Major Crime Services, says the homicide was calculated and planned, and that the suspects were known to each other, and the victim was lured to his death.

“From a policing perspective, this is a strong result – First Degree Murder charges are very serious and carry a heavy burden of proof,” said Superintendent Rob Lasson. “We couldn’t have got here without the assistance of the Brandon Police Service and the public. The investigation would not have been solved without the public’s assistance because they got involved: they offered tips and provided statements. Also, our investigators never wavered in their dedication to tracking down those who committed a brutal and planned murder, and I thank them.”

No further individuals are being sought in relation to this homicide.