After an intensive investigation, RCMP Manitoba Major Crime Services investigators have charged 34-year-old Eric Wildman, from the RM of St. Clements, with First Degree Murder in the death of 40-year-old Clifford Joseph. On September 9, 2021, officers attended to Headingley Correctional Centre to formally arrest and charge Wildman, who is in custody on previous charges.
“This investigation really started on June 7, when we received a report that Mr. Joseph was missing. We became aware pretty quickly that his disappearance was suspicious,” said Superintendent Michael Koppang, Officer in Charge of Major Crime Services for the Manitoba RCMP. “We could not have anticipated at the outset the events that would come next – a manhunt, shots fired at officers, and finally an arrest. Through all of it, our investigators worked tirelessly to find out what happened to Mr. Joseph.”
Wildman will next appear in court in Winnipeg on September 10th. He remains in custody.
“We offer Mr. Joseph’s family our sincere condolences on their loss. We hope that by laying this charge, we can offer Mr. Joseph’s family some answers as to what happened to their loved one, and help them find some peace,” said Supt. Koppang.
Here’s the RCMP timeline of the case:
June 7: Selkirk RCMP received a report that Clifford Joseph, 40, was missing from the RM of St. Clements.
June 11: Joseph’s disappearance now being investigated as suspicious in nature. Major Crime Services takes the lead. Eric Wildman, 34, became a person of interest in the disappearance. RCMP located Wildman’s vehicle in Winnipeg. The increased risk to public safety became apparent.
June 12: First alert sent by RCMP regarding Wildman. We asked for information and advised that Wildman is considered armed and dangerous.
June 13: A search warrant was obtained, and Wildman’s vehicle was searched. Police found firearms, police style tactical equipment, police patches, other items resembling police clothing, and red/blue lights that could be affixed to the interior of a vehicle.
June 14: RCMP alert public that Wildman is a suspect in the homicide of Joseph, ask for information, and warn public not to approach him.
June 15: RCMP conduct property searches in the RM of St. Clements related to this investigation and release information about a vehicle Wildman was believed to be driving.
June 16: RCMP release photos of Wildman, who was seen at Lowe’s on Panet Road in Winnipeg. He was then seen in the Lockport area, headed east. RCMP attend the Whiteshell area searching for him and remain there through June 17.
June 18: Wildman taken into custody by the Ontario Provincial Police just outside the City of Belleville, Ontario. He was then transported back to Manitoba by RCMP.
June 19: Wildman charged and remanded.
July 18: Human remains located in Stead, Manitoba.
July 27: Human remains identified as Clifford Joseph.
September 9: Wildman charged with First Degree Murder and remanded.