3 children, 2 women died in southern Manitoba; The suspect is in custody: RKMP

Three children and two women died Sunday in southern Manitoba, police said.

According to the police, the suspect, a 29-year-old man, is in custody. No charges have been filed.

RCMP believe the suspect and victims knew each other, but could not comment further on their exact relationship. They say that there is no threat to the safety of the people.

“We are confident that the person we arrested is the only suspect,” said RCMP Insp. Tim Arsenault.

RCMP say the five deaths happened in three locations near Carman, a town of 3,000 people about 80 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg.

Around 7:30 a.m., Carman RCMP responded to a hit-and-run on Highway 3 about six kilometers south of Carman, police said. Officers arrived to find the woman's body in a nearby ditch, Arsenault said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 10:00 a.m., Headingly RCMP received a call about a vehicle on fire on Highway 248.

“While officers were on their way to the scene, a witness pulled three small children from the burning vehicle. “Unfortunately, all three children died at the scene,” Arsenault said.

Police say the suspect caught the burning car at the scene. “There was no problem with the arrest.”

The investigation led police to a home in Carman, where they say they found the body of another woman.

“It's a sad day for the many people who lost loved ones, for the community of Carman and for this province,” Arsenault said.

“It's terrible information and three very bad scenes.”

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew offered his condolences on Twitter late Sunday.

“Comfort and strength to the families and community of Carman during this difficult time of loss,” Kinew wrote. “Our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”