Remains found on Winnipeg riverbank identified as June Christine Johnson
CBC
WARNING: This story contains graphic content.
June Christine Johnson was full of love and laughter, but that exuberance was cut short by addiction, her family says.
Johnson, 40, was identified on Wednesday as the woman whose dismembered remains were found near the Red River in Winnipeg's South Point Douglas neighbourhood last month.
Her death has been deemed a homicide but no arrests have been made. Sgt. Wade McDonald of the Winnipeg police homicide unit would not say if all of Johnson's remains have been recovered.
He would also not comment on the exact cause of death "due to the sensitive nature."
Johnson's family has asked for privacy but provided a statement that was read by McDonald.
"Prior to her addiction, June was a loving, devoted mom who loved her children deeply. She loved hard and family was of great importance to her," it said.
"June had a great sense of humour, was very outgoing, and we are going to cherish our good times and memories with her. Sadly, addiction took over all aspects of her life, and we lost her in this very tragic way."
Johnson's remains were found April 15 near Curtis Street and Higgins Avenue. Curtis is a short street that runs to the river, where it connects with a recreational path that links up with Waterfront Drive.
Police tape also blocked a large section of Waterfront in the days after the discovery.
On April 18, police said the death was a homicide but they did not know her identity at the time and asked the public for help.
Numerous tips came in, which helped police identify Johnson.
Paul Mathews, the father of one of Johnson's three children, says he found out about her death shortly after Wednesday's news conference, when a reporter messaged him on social media.
"What's missing for June now is any chance of recovery," he told CBC News Wednesday night.
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