Judge orders mental health assessment for Manitoba man accused of killing family

WINNIPEG –

A judge has ordered a Manitoba man accused of killing five family members, including his three young children, to undergo a mental health assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

Ryan Manoakeesick appeared by video this morning in front of a provincial court judge after his lawyer requested the assessment.

He is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his common-law partner, Amanda Clearwater; their three children, Bethany, Jayven and Isabella Manoakeesick; and Clearwater’s niece Myah-Lee Gratton.

Police discovered the bodies of the family members earlier this month at multiple crime scenes in and around Carman, Man., a town of 3,000 people southwest of Winnipeg.

Manoakeesick, who was handcuffed and wearing jail clothing, did not say anything during his court appearance.

He has been in custody since his arrest two weeks ago.

   This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 26, 2023.

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