Colleen Belesky fondly remembers her son, Corey Belesky, as a resilient and attractive individual with a deep affection for animals and a strong sense of family bonds. She expressed profound grief, stating that her life essentially ended when Corey’s life was tragically cut short. Corey, a 31-year-old member of Marten Falls First Nation, located over 400 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay, met an untimely demise, marking the third anniversary of his passing.
During a recent news conference, surrounded by family members holding cherished photographs of Corey and a map pinpointing the area where his body was discovered, Colleen Belesky tearfully appealed to the public for any information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. The family, along with the First Nation community, urged the Thunder Bay Police Service to intensify efforts and allocate additional resources to the case in pursuit of justice.
Corey Belesky’s loved ones lodged complaints with Ontario’s inspector general of policing regarding the handling of death and missing-person investigations by the TBPS. Subsequent to these complaints, an evaluation of the police service was announced by Ryan Teschner. The Inspectorate of Policing disclosed that a public update on the inspection of the Thunder Bay Police Service and Board would be provided in the upcoming weeks.
Anna Betty Achneepineskum, a deputy grand chief with Nishnawbe Aski Nation representing numerous First Nations, including Marten Falls, emphasized the significance of Teschner’s impending report for Corey’s family and other affected First Nation families seeking justice amid investigative shortcomings.
The Belesky family lamented the lack of communication from the TBPS and demanded more regular updates on the progress of the investigation. They also called for the approval of a substantial reward by the Thunder Bay Police Service Board to incentivize potential informants and assist in advancing the case. Additionally, they highlighted the urgency for community members to come forward with any pertinent information to help achieve closure for the grieving family.
As the search for answers continues, Bruce Achneepineskum, chief of Marten Falls First Nation, emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing crucial details related to Corey Belesky’s death. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
In light of the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, immediate emotional support and crisis intervention services are available 24/7 through a national hotline at 1-844-413-6649.