First-degree murder charges in connection with the deaths of five family members in Manitoba

A 29-year-old Manitoba man has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing five members of his family, including his three children.

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

The investigation began Sunday morning when RCMP were called to Highway 3 for a report of a beating. RCMP said Monday that a 30-year-old woman who lived with the suspect was found dead on the highway.

Then, around 10 a.m., police officers were called to a burning car on Highway 248. Their three children were inside the car and all were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators initially reported that a witness had gotten the children out of the car, but later learned that the suspect had gotten them out.

The suspect was arrested at the scene of the fire.

The investigation led police to a home in Carman, where another woman was found dead. Police said it was the family's 17-year-old nephew.

Investigators confirmed that all the victims lived together in Carman.

RCMP have charged 29-year-old Ryan Manoakisik with five counts of first-degree murder. RCMP are continuing to investigate.

The charges against Manoakesik have not been proven in court.

Insp. Tim Arsenault with the RCMP's Major Crime Service said it was an unimaginable tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with the Carman community as they mourn the loss of the entire family,” Arsenault said.

“Young innocent lives were senselessly taken yesterday and we mourn with all Manitobans.”

Investigators are still working to piece together a timeline of when it all happened, and Arsenault said an autopsy took place Monday and is scheduled to continue Tuesday.

“Darkness Won't Win”

Both Premier Webb Kenew and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Chief Cathy Merrick spoke at a news conference Monday.

Kinew said sacred ties were severed this weekend and the events cast a dark shadow over Manitoba.

“But I want to tell the people of Manitoba that we are not helpless in the face of darkness. We can take action and work together to protect vulnerable people. We can offer comfort. We can offer support,” Kineau said.

The premier urged Manitobans to pray for Carman's family and people.

“We will remember that this is a good place where darkness does not prevail. That's why it's important that we stand united and work together for the collective good of our province at a time like this.”

He thanked the RCMP and all the first responders who dealt with Sunday's tragedy.

Merrick said he was saddened to hear of the loss of innocent lives.

“The loss of our women and the loss of our young people breaks my heart … it breaks my heart to talk to him,” Merrick said.

She said she was a grandmother and thought of her family when she heard what had happened.

“We must respect life. We only have one chance in life. We must respect it.”

“It's just devastating”

Carman Mayor Brent Owen said the weekend's tragic events left the community devastated.

“It was terrible news. I can't imagine how something like this could happen in our small community,” Owen told CTV News Winnipeg on Monday.

The mayor said that nothing like this had ever happened in the small town and people were coming together to support each other.

“It's just devastating. As a parent, it's unimaginable,” Owen said.

“We're a small community and we're a proud community. We will hold a rally. We will get through this. I hope there will be a lot of support for everyone involved.”

In a statement to CTV News Winnipeg Monday afternoon, Terri Osiowie, head of the Prairie Rose School Division, which represents the two schools in Carman, said her deepest sympathies go out to all those affected.

“Our school division has established crisis response teams at Carman College and Ecole Carman Elementary School to support our students and staff,” he said.

“Our department is committed to supporting students, staff and the community during the many difficult times this tragedy has brought upon us.”

– CTV with files from Kathryn Doe, Kayla Rosen and Joseph Bernacki