After an intensive investigation, RCMP Manitoba Major Crime Services investigators have charged Eric Wildman, 34, 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 10. 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.