Manitoba RCMP’s Major Crime Services has charged 29-year-old Ryan Howard Manoakeesick, of Carman, with five counts of first degree murder in relation to the deaths of five individuals who were located deceased on February 11, 2024, in three locations across southern Manitoba.

Police say that the deceased individual located on Highway 3, has been identified as the 30-year-old female common-law partner of the accused. The deceased children, located on Highway 248, have been identified as their 6-year-old daughter, 4-year-old son and 2.5-month-old daughter. The deceased individual located at the residence in Carman, was the 17-year-old niece of the 30-year-old deceased female.

All five victims lived together and were residents of Carman, Manitoba.

Initial reports indicated a witness assisted in pulling the three young children from the burning vehicle, however in speaking with the witness, this is no longer accurate. Further information has revealed the accused removed the children from the vehicle.

RCMP Major Crime Services, along with Carman RCMP, Headingley/Stonewall RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist Unit, continue to investigate.