Preliminary hearing begins for Anishinabie murder case
The following story contains sensitive subject matter that may be upsetting to readers.
The preliminary court hearing for the murder of 42-year old Deborah Anishinabie is underway.
25-year old Levi Lawson was charged with indignity to a human body in December 2024 and second-degree murder in January 2025 in relation to her death.
“Today we remember Deborah as the loving friend, sister and mother that she was: full of strength and kindness, and deeply connected to her family and community,” the Anishinabie family said in a statement before Wednesday’s hearing. “She could light up any room, and we always welcomed her contagious laugh. She had a wonderful way of making people feel that they were seen, heard, and loved. She was devoted to her family, as we were to her. She will forever be in our hearts.”
Anishinabie’s body was found in Thunder Bay in the vicinity of the 800 block of Finlayson Street and the 400 block of McKellar Street North in December 2024.
In September, provincial police, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS), and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service conducted a search for further evidence at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility.
The search concluded in November. TBPS released a statement a month later saying no new evidence was discovered.
“Providing closure for the family has been our priority,” said TBPS chief Darcy Fleury in a news release at the time. “Conducting this search was both necessary and appropriate, regardless of the outcome.”
Anishinabie was from Sandy Lake First Nation. According to the federal government, Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people are 12 times more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women in Canada as of June 2024.
Anishinabie was a graduate of the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, where she completed the Personal Support Worker program.
“She had much love to give, and she poured every ounce of her compassion into her work and the people she cared for,” her family said. “We appreciate everyone who have joined with us in ceremony and supported us throughout this difficult process. May the Creator give us all the strength to get through the difficult days ahead.”
City police have provided the following resources for those impacted by the investigation:
- Beendigen: Crisis Line: 807-346-HELP (4357) or 1-888-200-9997
- Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre: 807-345-5840 or 1-855-345-5840
- NAN Hope 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673)
- Ontario Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816
- Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Phone: 807-623-0383
- Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051
