First-degree murder charges laid in deaths of five family members in Manitoba
A 29-year-old Manitoba man has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder after he allegedly killed five members of his family, including his three children.
A family friend confirmed to CTV News Winnipeg the five family members were 30-year-old Amanda Clearwater, six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven, two-and-half-month old Isabella and 17-year-old Myah-Lee Gratton.
The investigation started Sunday morning when RCMP were called to Highway 3 for reports of a hit-and-run. RCMP said on Monday a 30-year-old woman – who was living common-law with the suspect – was found dead along the highway.
Then around 10 a.m., officers were called to a vehicle on fire on Highway 248. Their three children were inside the car and were all pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators originally reported a witness pulled the kids from the vehicle, but have since learned it was the suspect who pulled them out.
The suspect was arrested at the scene of the fire.
The investigation took police to a home in Carman where another female was found dead. Police said it was the family's 17-year-old niece.
Investigators confirmed all of the victims lived together in Carman.
RCMP have charged 29-year-old Ryan Manoakeesick with five counts of first-degree murder. RCMP continues to investigate.
The charges against Manoakeesick have not been proven in court.
Insp. Tim Arsenault with the RCMP's major crime services said this is an unimaginable tragedy.
"Our thoughts are also with the community of Carman who are mourning the loss of an entire family," said Arsenault.
"Young innocent lives were senselessly taken yesterday and we grieve with all Manitobans."
Investigators are still working on putting together a timeline of when everything happened and Arsenault said autopsies happened Monday and are scheduled to continue Tuesday.
A yard in Carman, Man. is cordoned off by police tape on Feb. 12, 2024. (Source: Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg)
'Darkness will not win'
Both Premier Wab Kinew and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick spoke at the news conference Monday.
Kinew said sacred bonds were broken this weekend and the events have cast darkness across Manitoba.
"But I want to say to the people of Manitoba that we are not helpless in the face of darkness. We can take action, work together to protect the vulnerable. We can offer comfort. We can offer support," said Kinew.
The premier called on Manitobans to pray for the family and the people of Carman.
"We will remember that this is a good place where darkness will not win. So in times like this, it's important that we remain united and work together for the collective good of our province."
He thanked the RCMP and all first responders who dealt with the tragedy Sunday.
Merrick said she was saddened to hear the news of the innocent lives being taken.
"I'm very heartbroken with the loss of our women and the loss of young ones…it's heartbreaking to speak to it," said Merrick.
She noted she herself is a grandmother and she was thinking of her own family when she heard what happened.
"We have to respect life. We only get one chance at life. We have to respect it."
‘It’s just devastating’
Carman Mayor Brent Owen says the community is devastated by the weekend’s tragic events.
“It was terrible news. I can’t imagine how something like this could happen in our small community,” Owen told CTV News Winnipeg in an interview Monday.
The mayor said nothing like this has ever happened in the small town before, and folks are coming together to support one another.
“It’s just devastating. As a parent, it’s unimaginable,” Owen said.
“We are a small community, and we’re a very proud community. We’ll rally. We’ll get through this. Hopefully, there’s lots of support for everyone involved.”
Carman Mayor Brent Owen is pictured during a Feb. 12, 2024 interview with CTV News Winnipeg.
In a statement to CTV News Winnipeg Monday afternoon, Terry Osiowy, the superintendent of the Prairie Rose School Division, which represents two schools in Carman, said they are offering their deepest sympathies to all who are impacted by this.
"To ensure that our school division provides support for our students and staff, Crisis Response Teams were put in place for Carman Collegiate and Ecole Carman Elementary School," he said.
"Our division is committed to supporting our students, staff, and community through the many challenging times that this tragedy will bring us."
- With files from CTV's Katherine Dow, Kayla Rosen and Joseph Bernacki
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING N.Y. prosecutors charge Luigi Mangione with murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO, court records show
Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors filed murder and other charges against Luigi Nicholas Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, according to an online court docket.
Union dropped wage demand to 19% over four years in Canada Post negotiations: CUPW
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reportedly dropped its wage demand to 19 per cent over four years, CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant told CTV News.
Taxpayer-funded Eras Tour tickets returned by federal minister
While tens of thousands of fans packed Vancouver's BC Place for the last shows of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this weekend, a federal cabinet minister wasn't one of them.
Sudbury, Ont., family traumatized after hospital said loved one had been released, when in fact they had passed away
Sudbury resident Angela Vitiello says a staff member at Health Sciences North told her that her brother, Allan St. Martin, was released from the hospital late last month when, in fact, he had passed away.
What the upcoming holiday GST relief will mean for consumers
The federal government's GST break will arrive this Saturday, just in time for the last stretch of holiday shopping.
Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats.
Katie Holmes refutes story about daughter Suri Cruise’s fortune
Katie Holmes has posted a screen grab of a Daily Mail article, which reported that her 18-year old daughter, whose father is Tom Cruise, is now a "millionaire."
Polygamous U.S. sect leader gets 50 years in prison in scheme to orchestrate sex involving children
A polygamist religious leader in the U.S. who claimed more than 20 spiritual “wives” including 10 underage girls was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Monday.
Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time.