P.A. murder victims and accused lived together, police say

The officer in charge of the criminal investigation division of the Prince Albert Police Service has now confirmed the murders of two adults and one child, and the attempted murder of a second child, all happened on Saturday.

Insp. Craig Mushka spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon. All four victims were found Sunday afternoon at a residence in the 300 block of MacArthur Drive.

Nathaniel Carrier, 28, has since been charged with the first-degree murders of his parents, Denis Carrier and Sandra Henry, as well as his seven-year-old son, Bentlee. Carrier is also charged with the attempted murder of his five-year-old daughter Kendrah, who remains at hospital in Edmonton in stable condition.

Mushka said Carrier, who is currently being held in custody, has no previous involvement with police.

“I cannot confirm as far as if he’s at risk or in danger. He would currently be held in custody at our correctional facility,” Mushka said when asked about Carrier’s current location.

According to a statement from police on Tuesday, Carrier was arrested without incident earlier that day in Prince Albert. Mushka said when police arrived at the house on Sunday afternoon, Denis Carrier’s vehicle was discovered missing and was found later that same day in La Ronge.

“Investigators located Nathaniel Carrier in Prince Albert that evening and felt confident he was no longer a risk to public safety,” Mushka said. “I am not able to divulge his exact location during that time but those details will likely become available during the judicial process.”

Mushka said Carrier was arrested once there was sufficient evidence to support the charges. Mushka said all the victims and the accused were living at the residence at the time of the murders.

With regards to questions surrounding the timeline of the killings and the motive, Mushka said a family friend became concerned and went to the house where they met up with a family member. Together they contacted police.

“Obviously it’s human nature to want to know why something like this occurred but as with any homicide investigation, when we are collecting the evidence and the facts, we’ll attempt to answer that question, but sometimes it isn’t always feasible,” Mushka said.

Carrier’s case was initially discussed at Prince Albert Provincial Court on Wednesday morning and was adjourned to April 15. Carrier’s attendance was waived for the next court date.