RCMP ask for information, photos of Xavia Butler to fill in timeline before she was found

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Peggy

Xavia Butler would have turned three the month her remains were found in a barn within Manitoba’s Interlake area, RCMP say.

Gypsumville RCMP said in an October news release remains discovered in a barn off Highway 6 in the rural municipality of Grahamdale in June belonged to the toddler.

Over the weekend, RCMP says officers searched for answers in Xavia’s death, knocking door-to-door on Saturday in Ashern and the surrounding communities of Gypsumville as they canvassed for information that may shed light on the timeline surrounding the child’s death.

The Pinaymootang First Nation child was taken care of by a family member from the time she was born as agreed to by the child’s biological mother, but was taken from the family member by a CFS worker in March 2022.

A poster from RCMP shows a photo of a baby. — RCMP have issued this notice seeking information on Xavia Butler. (Submitted by RCMP)

The RCMP say Xavia was not in CFS care at the time when she is believed to have died, but wouldn’t confirm or deny any CFS involvement prior to her death.

The toddler was never reported missing, and RCMP say the last time police were able to physically place Xavia was about a year before her body was found.

Police have said they are in contact with Xavia’s biological mother.

A spokesperson for the province, which oversees Child and Family Services, told CBC News the department can’t confirm any details of a child in care as the records of a specific case are confidential.

The RCMP says any information is appreciated and more work is needed to find answers in the Xavia’s death. Anyone with information about Xavia or photos to share can contact the RCMP Major Crime Services tip line at 431-489-8112.