A series of tragedies in southern Manitoba: Five dead

WINNIPEG – NEWS – The bodies of two women and three children were found in southern Manitoba on Sunday, marking a sad day for the local community and the province as a whole. The incidents, which occurred at three separate locations, are believed to be connected, according to the provincial RCMP major crimes unit, led by Insp. Tim Arsenault.

Sad day and questions

The bad news began early Sunday morning, when RCMP officers responded to a series of incidents that led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man. Although no formal charges have yet been filed, the police are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the sequence and cause of these tragic events.

“Today is a sad day for the many people who lost loved ones, for the Carman community and for this province,” Arsenault said at a press briefing at RCMP D-Division headquarters.

Discovery locations

The bodies of the victims were located in three different areas: a home in Carman, along Highway 3 between Carman and Winkler, and Highway 248, north of State Road 424.

The investigation was prompted by the discovery of a woman's body in a ditch near Highway 3, which was initially believed to have been run over.

Subsequent findings included a horrific scene in which three children were pulled from a burning car on Highway 248 and pronounced dead at the scene.

The last body was found in a residence in Karman.

The reaction of the community and officials

The names and ages of the victims are still unknown, but all of them are from Karman district. The suspect from Karman is believed to know the victims, adding to the tragedy.

The investigation is ongoing with the efforts of RCMP Forensic Identification Services, Major Crimes Services, the Collision Reconstruction Unit and officers from multiple detachments.

Mayor Brent Owen and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham expressed their condolences and grief over the tragic events as the Carman community of about 3,000 residents grappled with grief. The community, which Owen described as “a safe community and a great place to live,” is waiting for answers during this difficult time.

Ongoing investigation and road closure

As sections of Highways 3 and 248 were closed for the investigation, emergency responders, including police and forensic investigators, remained on the scene. The community and the province are watching, hoping for clarity and justice after this tragic day.

Story in development… The RCMP will hold a press conference this Monday to update on developments.

---

The NetNewsLedger extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and community members affected by this tragedy.