Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, along with Portage la Prairie RCMP have worked continuously over the last few weeks to identify and locate the outstanding suspect(s). Through their investigation, a male suspect was identified.
According to a media release, RCMP said on January 9, 2025, the suspect was located by Manitoba First Nations Police Service in Sandy Bay following a short pursuit, and was taken into custody. 30-year-old Preston Whitford of Portage la Prairie has been charged 2nd Degree Murder x2 and was remanded into custody.
On December 1, 2024, two victims – a 42-year-old man and 37-year-old woman – were found dead inside a home on Oak Bay in Portage. Police had said previously the victims had been in a relationship, and the man had been active in the drug trade.
Mounties also said two people had visited the home on Oak Bay a few hours before the victims were found dead, and they sped off in a maroon SUV.
Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 431-489-8106, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com
The investigation continues.
