Carman, Manitoba – A 29-year-old man from Manitoba has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder after being accused of killing five family members, including three children. The tragic events unfolded over the weekend, leaving the small community devastated and in mourning.
According to RCMP, the investigation began on Sunday morning when they were called to Highway 3 for reports of a hit-and-run. Authorities found a 30-year-old woman, identified as Amanda Clearwater, dead along the highway. The woman was living common-law with the suspect.
Later that morning, officers responded to a vehicle fire on Highway 248, where they discovered the suspect’s three children – six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven, and two-and-a-half-month-old Isabella – all dead at the scene. Reports initially suggested that a witness pulled the children out of the burning vehicle, but it was later revealed that the suspect was the one who did so.
The investigation led police to a home in Carman, where the family’s 17-year-old niece was found dead. Investigators confirmed that all the victims lived together in Carman.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Ryan Manoakeesick, was arrested at the scene of the fire and has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder. Insp. Tim Arsenault with the RCMP’s major crime services described the tragedy as “unimaginable.”
The community of Carman is grappling with the devastating loss, with Carman Mayor Brent Owen expressing shock at how such a tragedy could unfold in their small town. Support is pouring in for the affected families and the community, with Premier Wab Kinew and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick urging Manitobans to come together and provide comfort and support during this difficult time.
Schools in the area have implemented Crisis Response Teams to provide support for students, staff, and the entire community as they navigate through the aftermath of this heartbreaking event. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to piece together the timeline of events while the community grapples with the immense loss.