RCMP seek help in search for Texas murder suspect

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This article was published 13/11/2019 (1827 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A man wanted for murder in Texas hasn’t been seen since he was dropped off in Winnipeg about five months ago.

There have been no confirmed sightings of 28-year-old Derek Whisenand since he was spotted at Junior’s Restaurant at St. Mary’s Road and Fermor Avenue on June 26, Manitoba RCMP said Thursday.

Police here are working with U.S. investigators and have shared information about the case with other police agencies in Canada, many of whom have been fielding public tips about Whisenand’s whereabouts. No one has been able to confirm where he’s been after June 26.

Now, Manitoba RCMP are looking for help from someone who may have helped the murder suspect get to Carman after he illegally crossed the border.

“It would be helpful to know, like maybe something was said or some conversations were had or anything like that, that could maybe help in the investigation,” spokeswoman Cpl. Julie Courchaine said.

Whisenand was wanted for the murder of 78-year-old Burton Duane Sanborn in Eastland, Texas, when he illegally entered Canada near the border community of Haskett in late June.

He was spotted at the Walmart store in Winkler at about 8 a.m. June 26 and later made his way to Carman. Police believe Whisenand got a ride from Carman to Winnipeg that afternoon and was dropped off at Junior’s at about 3:30 p.m.

Investigators have spoken to the motorist who gave Whisenand a ride to Winnipeg, Courchaine said.

Whisenand is described as Caucasian, six feet tall, 250 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair and was last seen with a black goatee. He has a tattoo on his left wrist of a pentagram. He was travelling with a medium-size, mixed-breed dog, possibly a German shepherd and pit bull or boxer, police said.

Whisenand may be armed and is considered dangerous, RCMP said.

RCMP released security-camera footage showing Whisenand walking into the Walmart with his dog in a shopping cart, as well as photos of him, his tattoo and his dog, hoping to jog Manitobans’ memories about his time here.

“He went to some lengths to keep his dog with him, so we do think there is a good possibility that he still is with his dog,” Courchaine said.

“Maybe it’ll jog someone’s memory or they’ll suddenly (realize), ‘Oh yeah, I remember this’ and that’s really what we’re trying to do, and just get more tips. Because ultimately we’d like to locate and arrest him.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team at 204-324-9121 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.