4 dead in ‘devastating’ triple homicide in small rural Manitoba community

Manitoba RCMP say four people are dead in what police are describing as a triple murder in and around a small community northwest of Winnipeg on Friday.

Mounties believe the four deaths in the RM of McCreary are related, and all individuals involved knew each other. RCMP did not provide further details on identification or the circumstances of the deaths, but said police are not looking for any suspects.

Police in Sainte Rose du Lac say around 10:10 a.m. Friday, officers acting on a tip found, on Road 84 West, the body of a 41-year-old man who had died from a self-inflicted injury.

About 30 minutes later, officer received a call for a well-being check for a 37-year-old woman who lived in the area. Police went to the woman’s home but she could not be found, they said.

A search for the woman at a nearby home led police to the discovery of the bodies of a 66-year-old woman, and two men, aged 35 and 65. Those deaths are being investigated as homicides.

“I want to express my condolences to the family and friends who have lost loved ones today,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Richard Sherring said.

“While we only have limited information, we know the impacts this will have on the community and felt it’s important to detail the events that we know to date.”

The 37-year-old woman was later found safe. Police said she was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Shocked and devastated residents tell CityNews the town of less than 1,000 people is a small community where most are acquainted with one another, meaning many knew the victims.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called the incident “devastating.”

“My thoughts are with the victims and everyone impacted by this violence, including the RCMP and first responders who were on the scene,” Kinew wrote on X.

The premier says he spoke with the reeve of McCreary, Rick Sonnenberg, to express his support for the community.

“This is heavy,” Kinew added. “Let’s be there for each other.”

McCreary is near Riding Mountain National Park, roughly 240 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

–With files from The Canadian Press