29-year-old Ryan Howard Manoakeesick of Carman has been charged with five counts of First-Degree Murder following Sunday's tragic deaths in and around Carman and the R.M. of Cartier.
Manitoba RCMP confirmed today that the five deaths are in fact homicides, and all members of a single family.
The deceased individual located on Highway 3 has been identified as the 30-year-old female common-law partner of the accused. The deceased children, located outside of a burning vehicle on Highway 248, have been identified as their 6-year-old daughter, 4-year-old son and 2.5-month-old daughter. The deceased individual found at a home in Carman was the 17-year-old niece of the 30-year-old deceased female. All five victims lived together and were residents of Carman.
"Young, innocent lives were senselessly taken yesterday and we grieve with all Manitobans," said RCMP Inspector Tim Arsenault during a news conference Monday afternoon.
Initial reports indicated a witness helped in pulling the three young children from the burning vehicle, however in speaking with the witness, RCMP say this is no longer accurate. Further information has revealed the accused removed the children from the vehicle.
Autopsies are scheduled for today and tomorrow.
Officers are no longer on scene at the highway locations but remain at the Carman home.
RCMP Major Crime Services, along with Carman RCMP, Headingley/Stonewall RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist Unit, continue to investigate.