Man accused of killing 5 family members in southern Manitoba deemed fit to stand trial
CBC
WARNING: This story contains details involving the deaths of children.
A man accused of killing his common-law partner, their three young children and his partner's foster cousin in southern Manitoba last month has been deemed fit to stand trial, a Winnipeg court heard on Thursday afternoon.
The results of a mental health assessment for Ryan Manoakeesick, 29, were delivered earlier Thursday, Crown attorney Christian Vanderhooft told court. No further details were provided.
Manoakeesick, who did not appear in court, was represented by a law student who appeared for defence lawyer Laura Robinson.
Manoakeesick is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his common-law partner, Amanda Clearwater, 30, their three children, six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven and two-month-old Isabella, as well as Clearwater's foster cousin Myah Gratton, 17.
Their bodies were discovered earlier this month at three separate locations in and around Carman, a town of 3,000 people southwest of Winnipeg.
Clearwater was found in a ditch just off a highway on Feb. 11. The children's bodies were pulled from a burning vehicle several hours later.
Gratton's body was found later the same day in the home where she lived with Clearwater and Manokeesick.
His case has been adjourned until June 3.
"By that time, we expect counsel will have full disclosure, or very close to it. And in the meantime, we'll have discussions," Crown attorney Vanderhooft said.
Manoakeesick has been held in custody since his arrest. A Crown attorney previously told a justice of the peace the prosecution will oppose any bail applications.
In the days and months before Gratton was killed, the teen told friends and family she feared for her safety, and asked to be removed from the house where she was living with Clearwater and Manoakeesick.
Her mother, Juliette Hastings, said she warned authorities her daughter wasn't safe living in the same house as Manoakeesick.
CBC News has also learned RCMP were called to the Carman house at least once, on Oct. 31, 2023. The RCMP spokesperson said a 29-year-old man was arrested and released the next morning. No charges were laid.
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