Manitoba death: Those charged with murder have prior convictions

Three years before Ryan Manoakeisik was charged with killing five members of his family, a Manitoba judge warned him he was at risk of losing everything.

“You need significant help,” Provincial Court Judge Kelly Moar said at a July 2019 hearing.

“If you don't do something, it will cost your family.”

RCMP on Monday charged Manoakeesik with five counts of first-degree murder in connection with the tragic weekend death.

RCMP say a 30-year-old woman who lived with the suspect was found dead Sunday along the Manitoba Highway a few kilometers from Carman, Man.

Hours later, police were called to a car on fire on a provincial road near St. Eustace, Man. They said the suspect pulled the three children from the burning car, but died at the scene. The suspect was arrested.

A fifth victim, the family's 17-year-old nephew, was later found dead in a house in Karman.

A friend of the family confirmed to CTV News Winnipeg that the five members of the family are Amanda Clearwater, 30, six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven, two-and-a-half-month-old Isabella and 17-year-old. Maya Gratton.

None of the allegations have been tested in court. Manoakesik's next court hearing is scheduled for February 23.

Court records show the man charged in that death was charged in 2019 with criminal damage to property under $5,000.

He pleaded guilty.

The court heard Manoakesik, then 25, was under the influence of methamphetamine when he entered the garage at a home in Elmwood. He was accidentally locked from the inside, the Crown said, and he started banging on the door and damaging it, causing significant damage.

King said he called the police. They caught him and took him to the Health Center in a state of psychosis. He was released later that evening and found by police at the Tim Hortons on Portage Avenue. The court heard he tried to order food for staff and was then told to call the police.

Then he started throwing glass mugs at the electronic display menu. Employees locked themselves in the office and called 911.

He was arrested again, King said.

At the arraignment, Manoakisik's attorney, Matthew Moons, said his client had been dealing with anxiety and depression.

Manoakesik told the court that he lives in Karman, Man. with his common-law partner Amanda Clearwater and their two children.

Manoakesik said he previously worked as a plastic pipe manufacturer but was out of work for several months to seek mental health.

He was given a suspended prison sentence and placed on 18 months of probation. He was also ordered to undergo a substance abuse and mental health evaluation.

On September 11, 2021, Manoakeesik was again charged with two counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm.

The court heard he was driving on Highway 3 when his car collided with a van carrying nine people, some of whom were uninjured.

Crown prosecutor Jenna Robinson said one of the passengers suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Manoakesik was arrested and released on summons. A trial was set for August 2023, but Manoakesik's lawyer said he had lost contact with him and an arrest warrant was issued.

He was arrested in July and released on bail a few days later. The Crown opposed the move, given that Manoakesik had previously lost contact with his lawyer.

During the hearing, Manoakesik's attorney said his client has struggled with mental health issues, resulting in permanent disability, but said his client is doing much better.

Manoakesik was released on $1,000 bail, with his mother listed as surety.

– CTV with files from Danton Unger, Joseph Bernacki and Kayla Rosen