OPP makes arrest in 1973 death of woman in Attawapiskat First Nation
Posted October 27, 2023 12:35 pm.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made an arrest in a homicide investigation dating back to 1973.
Helen Carpenter was found dead on October 23, 1973 in Attawapiskat First Nation. She was 21-year-old at the time of her death. An investigation was launched but no charges were laid.
The case was renewed in late 2019 following the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry, ultimately leading to an arrest on October 25, 2023.
Remi Gregory Iahtail, 78 of Attawapiskat is now facing charges of manslaughter and rape (1973 Criminal Code).
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on November 22, 2023.
“For 50 years the family of Helen Carpenter and the community of Attawapiskat have been seeking answers concerning Helen’s death. Now, with the advancement of DNA technology and a focused investigation, the OPP have made an arrest in this case,” OPP Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford, said in a release.
“The family and community can now learn the truth about what happened in 1973. Our thoughts are with Helen’s family and the entire community.”
The OPP says it can’t delve into what led to the arrest, as the case is now before the courts.
Attawapiskat First Nation is located in Kenora District in northern Ontario.
