Winnipeg Police detectives are hoping to gain more information about a woman's whereabouts to get answers to her death by reaching out to the public once again for assistance.

*Warning: This story may contain details that may be disturbing to some, particularly those families directly impacted by matters involving Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse people.

In August 2022, 41-year-old Melissa Cook, an Indigenous woman from the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (near the Swan River area) passed away after suffering from severe burns to her body. 

The Chief Medical Examiner's Officer ruled her death a homicide; they contacted WPS and an investigation ensued.

Through the investigation, the WPS discovered that Melissa had been living in Winnipeg since April 2022, however, she was homeless and may have resided in encampments. She also frequently visited Siloam Mission and was found in the South Point Douglas area often.

Melissa Cook (WPS)Melissa Cook (WPS)

It is believed she sustained her burns between late June and early July, which is around the time she notified a shelter of her injuries and was transported to a hospital where she remained until her passing.

The WPS reports they have exhausted every lead in the investigation in a YouTube video (shown below) and are now asking the public for assistance.

Investigators have been working on learning more about Melissa and her activities over the summer of 2022 and hope to speak with anyone who knew Melissa, knew about her injuries or anyone who may have been victimized similarly.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Crimes Investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).