RCMP continue to look for answers in murder of Cross Lake hockey player

Press Release

The Seven Sacred Teachings – love, humility, honesty, wisdom, courage, truth, respect – were important to Austin Monias of Cross Lake, Manitoba. “We got to tell you the seven teachings are true; they will help you see the life meant for you. If you follow this life, if you follow these rules, the blessings of God will surely come true,” raps Austin in a YouTube video.

Austin was passionate about sport and about youth. He was a renowned hockey player for the Cross Lake Islanders. He coached younger hockey players, square danced, and wrote and performed rap songs. On January 20, 2013, all of that came to an end. Austin died after being stabbed during a fight at a party. He was 19 years old.

“He believed in change,” said Austin’s mother Cileen Umperville. “His passion for life, desires for the future and all the expectations were taken from his life and the life of his friends and the youth of Cross Lake. It is so hard to live without him.”

Austin had a vision. He wanted to do amazing things: “Was sent to Heaven and sent back to earth, and in 93 (the year he was born) the world witnessed the rebirth of a warrior. I’m the medicine bundle carrier, one of the many Aboriginal peacemakers,” he rapped. “You gotta understand that I do have a plan to take away the pain so we do remain free as Aboriginals on this land.”

The Cross Lake RCMP and RCMP Major Crime Unit initially arrested five people in relation to Austin’s death, but they were released without charge. Investigators continue to work to find justice for Austin and his family, and need help from the community.

“Five years ago, a young life was abruptly taken one morning in Cross Lake,” said Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the RCMP. “Austin was only 19 and had so much life ahead of him. We are dedicated to getting answers for his family. If anyone knows anything about what happened to Austin, we ask them to reach out to us.”

To contact the Cross Lake RCMP Detachment, call 204-676-2600.

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Contact information

Tara Seel, Media Relations Officer
RCMP Media Relations
204-983-8497
tara.seel@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb

File number: 201376105

ILR5