THUNDER BAY – It’s been three years since Corey Belesky was killed. The case is still unsolved.
“Not only did he die that day, but I also died. My life ended with Corey’s life. We, Corey’s family, are asking anyone with information, with any kind of information to please come forward. We, Corey’s family, we need justice,” Corey’s mother, Colleen Belesky, said at a press conference Monday.
Corey’s family and leaders from Marten Falls First Nation and Nishnawbe Aski Nation are renewing their call for justice on the anniversary of his death.
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Shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2022, the Thunder Bay Police Service was dispatched to a Brent Street residence following reports of an injured male. Belesky was pronounced dead at the scene. Three days later, police determined that Belesky’s death was a homicide.
“Corey was found on a public street in a residential area in this city. Someone has to know something,” NAN Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum told Newswatch.
Colleen Belesky and First Nations leaders are asking the Thunder Bay Police Service Board to provide a reward for information and put more resources into the investigation.
The amount of the reward should be “substantial,” said Achneepineskum, because after three years, police still haven’t made any arrests.
Police board chair Karen Machado told Newswatch in an emailed statement that the board is “considering this request from the special fund in keeping with the established criteria and in the interest of supporting the investigation and solving this tragic crime.”
Colleen is also asking for more transparency from the police and monthly updates on the investigation.
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“At this time, the family has stated that they’re not satisfied with the communication between themselves and the Thunder Bay police. And of course it’s, it’s very difficult to get any type of solid communication process, but they just want at least to hear from the Thunder Bay police once a month, even if it’s to say we’re still working on it, at this time we don’t have any leads. And that needs to happen,” Achneepineskum said.
In a statement, the Thunder Bay Police Service committed to “provide monthly updates on any developments as per the family’s wishes.”
Following complaints by Nishnawbe Aski Nation on behalf of the families of Belesky and Jenna Ostberg, in October 2024, the Inspectorate of Policing launched an investigation into how the police service conducts death and missing person investigations.
Achneepineskum said the investigation is still ongoing.
“Donna (Belesky) and Colleen have had some interviews in meetings with the inspector through their legal counsel. At this time, we have no information or final report from the inspector general, but that is something that we’re going to continue to pursue not only for Corey’s family but the other First Nation families that have endured some injustices when it comes to investigations,” she said.
Marten Falls First Nation Chief Bruce Achneepineskum said, “it’s been a very long 3 years for them to find that closure.”
The First Nation will continue to support the family in any way they can, he said.
Anyone with information that could aid in the investigation is urged to contact investigators at (807) 684-1200. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at http://www.p3tips.com.
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