Rico Cody Linklater, 22, who RCMP now believe is a homicide victim, went missing nearly a year ago

Nelson House family pleads for help, prays for closure in disappearance of Rico Linklater

The family of Rico Cody Linklater, a presumed homicide victim from Nelson House who went missing nearly a year ago, is pleading with their community and RCMP to keep up the search.

"It's very hard. Like a heavy feeling. Sad. Our family just needs closure," said his aunt, Daisy Linklater.

Rico Linklater, 22, was the second-eldest of 12 children who lived with his parents and younger siblings in Nisichawasihk Cree Nation, or Nelson House. He was last seen Oct. 21, 2021, and his family reported him missing two days later.

At the time, investigators believed Linklater was still in the community about 665 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, or in nearby Thompson, Man. But his family knew he wouldn't have strayed.

"He was very loving, very family-oriented, a stay-at-home kind of guy, very shy and he wouldn't be the type of person to be all over the community. Like he would visit just close family within the radius of his home," said his aunt, Cheryl Moore, who is also a band councillor.

Over the past year, the family and community have conducted many searches, and held a news conference pleading for information.