Update: A man matching the description of Roderick Muchikekwanape was spotted in Bellingham Friday morning, according to police in that city.
MISSION (NEWS 1130) — Roderick Muchikekwanape, who is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, has escaped the minimum security unit at Mission Institution. Correctional Service of Canada and Mission RCMP have been contacted and a warrant is out for his arrest.
Muchikekwanape is 41 years old, six feet tall and weighs 217 pounds. He has a medium complexion, brown eyes and black hair.
Cpl. Jason Raaflaub with Mission RCMP says they have teams engaged at the border and the surrounding area but don’t have a clear idea of where he might be heading.
“There’s no indication that we have a destination but if anyone sees anyone matching his description, we’ll respond,” adds Raaflaub.
Muchikekwanape was last seen around 7:30 p.m. last night and was reported escaped around 10:30 p.m. when he was not in his cell for the evening head count.
Mounties say he left with his belongings and may be carrying a bag with him adding he also may have contacts out-of-province.
“There is some indication he may have some family out near Winnipeg. But, again, that’s an angle we’re currently tracking down but he certainly wouldn’t be there in four hours,” Cpl. Jason Raaflaub added.
#BREAKING : Convicted murderer escapes Mission Institution
Roderick Muchikekwanape – serving a life sentence for first degree murder has escaped the minimum security unit at Mission Institution.https://t.co/LAHcK4Vtr5 pic.twitter.com/WkEyXWSBvp— Kareem Gouda (@KareemsGouda) October 30, 2020
Mounties also don’t believe Muchikekwanape has the means to travel very far on his own.
“He has no know vehicles, credit cards or cash at this point, he just sort of vanished into thin air,” said Cpl. Jason Raaflaub in a call to NEWS 1130.
“We do have some teams, of course we have the Border security team engaged and the Regional Duty Officer has also been informed as well,” Cpl. Raaflaub adds.
Muchikekwanape was serving out his life sentence for the first-degree murder and rape of Kimberly Clarke in 1998.
The 36-year-old mother of three was found under Winnipeg’s Redwood Bridge.
Mission RCMP say Muchikekwanape had been imprisoned in Mission Institution’s minimum security unit but it’s not clear how long he has been in the minimum security unit.
But, given that he has been imprisoned for around twenty years he may have been gradually moved to minimum security, RCMP add there is no indication he poses a dangerous risk to the public.
“There was no concerns passed along to us, it would just be the conviction itself. It was a file that was convicted since the year 2000 but that’s where he was placed by Correctional Service Canada, “Cpl. Raaflaub, explains.