Carman man accused of killing family to have mental health assessment Thursday

The 29-year-old Manitoba man accused of killing his family will go before a mental health court Thursday to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.

Ryan Manoakeesick is facing 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.

He been in custody since Feb. 11, the day the victims were found dead at three locations around Carman and the RM of Cartier.

Click to play video: 'Community in Manitoba gathers for funeral of 5 killed in ‘dark time’ for province'

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Provincial court Judge Donald Slough ordered that Manoakeesick undergo a mental health assessment to see if he’s fit to stand trial, at the request of the accused’s lawyer.

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Slough told the court on Feb. 26 he was “satisfied” there was reason to order the assessment.

Click to play video: '‘A dark time in Manitoba’: Carman man facing 5 first-degree murder charges in family’s deaths'

‘A dark time in Manitoba’: Carman man facing 5 first-degree murder charges in family’s deaths