Amanda Clearwater dies in fatal Carman, Manitoba incident
Amanda Clearwater dies in fatal Carman, Manitoba incident
Fatal Carman, Manitoba tragedy claims the lives of Amanda Clearwater and her family – Obituary
A tragic incident in southern Manitoba has led to a 29-year-old man being charged with five counts of first-degree murder. The accused is believed to have killed his 30-year-old common-law partner, their three young children, and a relative of his partner. The bodies were discovered in multiple locations on Sunday.
Ryan Howard Manoakeesick, a resident of Carman, Manitoba, was identified by RCMP during a press conference on Monday as the individual charged in connection with the deaths. The victims include Manoakeesick’s six-year-old daughter Bethany, four-year-old son Jayven, two-month-old daughter Isabella, and a 17-year-old relative of his partner, according to Inspector Tim Arseneault.
“Yesterday, we lost innocent lives, and our hearts go out to all Manitobans,” said Arseneault. “We also extend our deepest sympathies to the community of Carman, which is grieving the loss of an entire family.”
The accused and the victims all resided together in Carman, which is located 75 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg. Autopsies began on Monday and were set to continue on Tuesday, Arseneault noted.
Nancy Clearwater identified her daughter, 30-year-old Amanda Clearwater, as one of the victims. Her grandchildren, six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven, and two-month-old Isabella Manoakeesick, were also killed, along with her niece, 17-year-old Myah Gratton.
The discovery of the victims’ bodies occurred in three different locations across southern Manitoba on Sunday.
The first body, identified as Manoakeesick’s common-law partner, was found in a ditch along Highway 3 between Carman and Winkler early Sunday morning, following a report of a hit-and-run.
About two and a half hours later, approximately 70 kilometers north of Carman, officers responded to a report of a burning vehicle on Highway 248 near St. Eustache. Inside the vehicle, the three children were found dead, and Manoakeesick was taken into custody at the scene.
Initially, police reported that a witness had helped to pull the children from the burning vehicle, but this information was later corrected. RCMP now believe the accused removed his children from the vehicle.
Subsequent investigation led officers to a residence in Carman, where they found the body of 17-year-old Myah Gratton. While police have cleared the scenes on the highways, they continue to investigate at the Carman residence.
During a press conference, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed sorrow over the tragic loss. “There is no justification for what happened. This is pure darkness,” he stated.
“However, I want to remind Manitobans that we are not powerless in such times. We can come together to protect the vulnerable, offer comfort, and support one another. We can find strength in faith,” Kinew added.
Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs also spoke about the tragedy, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s heartbreaking to talk about this. As a grandmother, it strikes me deeply,” she said.
“We only have one life, and we must honor it. We must teach our children to respect life to prevent such tragedies from happening. As leaders, as mothers, as grandmothers, we bear the responsibility to guide our children in understanding the value of life,” Merrick emphasized.
Amanda Clearwater dies in fatal Carman, Manitoba incident Fatal Carman, Manitoba tragedy claims the lives of Amanda Clearwater and her family – Obituary A tragic incident in southern Manitoba has led to a 29-year-old man being charged with five counts of first-degree murder. The accused is believed to have killed his 30-year-old common-law…
Amanda Clearwater dies in fatal Carman, Manitoba incident Fatal Carman, Manitoba tragedy claims the lives of Amanda Clearwater and her family – Obituary A tragic incident in southern Manitoba has led to a 29-year-old man being charged with five counts of first-degree murder. The accused is believed to have killed his 30-year-old common-law…