On January 19, 2022, Manitoba RCMP discovered four bodies near Emerson, Manitoba, approximately 12 metres from the Canada/U.S. border. Their deaths were determined to be due to exposure. Investigators believe the family was dropped-off near the border and was attempting to enter the United States on foot with a larger group of people, when they became separated and succumbed to the elements.

Over the past nine months, our officers have travelled extensively across Canada and the United States to conduct interviews and follow-up on tips.
We can confirm that the Patel family’s travel from India to Canada, and their attempt to gain entry into the United States, was very thought-out and organized, likely being run by a human smuggling network. Investigators believe that secure messaging applications were used to communicate.

In an effort to further the investigation, we are releasing video surveillance from January 12, 2022, of the Patel family at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

“We have a specific gap in the Patel’s timeline between January 15th to when they were so tragically discovered near the border on January 19th. We’re confident that people saw and helped the family during this time as they travelled more than 2000 km from Toronto to Emerson,” said Sergeant Gary Bird, an investigator with RCMP Major Crime Services. “We need these people to come forward and share what they know about the Patel family’s journey within Canada. Even the smallest bit of information could be significant. This should not have happened. Four lives, an entire family, are gone. We need the people who have information to step forward, so we can find out what happened and hold those involved to account.”

We urge anyone who may have information to call Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services at 431-489-8551, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

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