A Winnipeg non-profit center for children and youth, Rossbrook House, shared condolences on Facebook after learning of Gerard-Roussin’s death. “She will always be remembered as outgoing, smiling and singing at our Christmas parties,” the social media post reads. Gerard-Roussin was a long-time participant in Rossbrook House programs. Last year, she graduated from Rising Sun Alternative High School and went on to work for Rossbrook as a staff member. Gerard-Roussin was last seen in Steinbach on Thursday, according to social media posts. On Saturday afternoon, RCMP in Steinbach responded to a homicide call at a home on Creekside Drive in the southeastern Manitoba town, Mounties said in a news release Monday afternoon. When officers arrived, the suspect, Josh Benoit and Gerard-Roussin were not there. Further investigation led officers to believe Benoit had taken off in his vehicle with her body inside, the release said. Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin graduated from Rossbrook House’s Rising Sun Alternative High School in 2021. (Rossbrook House) Officers from several detachments, including Steinbach, Stonewall, Sprague and Headingley, as well as officers from RCMP traffic services, launched an intensive search for the man. The Winnipeg Police Service also assisted as the man lives in the capital, Mounties said. Benoit was arrested and his vehicle burned, police said. RCMP believe he started a fire in the car when he was recovered, spokesman Robert Siren said in an email. Once the fire was out, the vehicle was searched — but Gerard-Roussin’s body was not there. Police later got information that led them to a remote ATV trail in a rural area south of the community of Woodridge. There they found Gérard-Roussin’s body. Police say Benoit and Gerard-Roussin knew each other. Manitoba Keewatinowi Health Inc. Grand Chief Garrison Settee issued a statement to express his condolences to Gerard-Russin’s loved ones. “We must ensure that our women are safe and free from violence. It is a basic human right to live without fear of violence, threats and abuse,” the statement said. “There is more work to be done and we cannot accept the loss of another daughter, sister, mother or loved one to gender-based violence.” On Sunday, Benoit was charged with first-degree murder in her death. Benoit was remanded in custody and was scheduled to appear in provincial court in Winnipeg on Monday, RCMP said. Gerard-Roussin’s family is requesting privacy at this time and is holding a private family fire, with details of a public vigil. Support is available for families and communities affected by gender-based violence. The Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Missing and Murdered Women and Girls Liaison Unit can be reached at 1-800-442-0488.
