WATCH ABOVE: It’s been one-year since five-year-old Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathryn Liknes went missing. Sarah Offin reports.
CALGARY – Tuesday marks a grim anniversary for Calgarians.
It’s now been one year since five-year-old Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathryn Liknes disappeared from a home in the community of Parkhill.
It was on Monday, June 30th, 2014 that Nathan’s mother Jen O’Brien went to her parents’ home to pick up her son after a sleepover.
When she arrived, she discovered the house empty. Police issued an Amber Alert later that day, sparking a massive search. Nathan, Alvin and Kathryn haven’t been seen since.
TIMELINE: Missing Calgary family Nathan O’Brien, Alvin and Kathryn Liknes
In July of 2014, police charged Douglas Garland, 55, with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kathryn and Alvin Liknes, and one count of second-degree murder in the death of their grandson Nathan O’Brien.
Later, his charges were upgraded to three counts of first-degree murder at the conclusion of his preliminary inquiry.
Who is Douglas Garland?
Douglas Garland is no stranger to the Liknes family; Alvin Liknes’ son is married to Garland’s sister. However, a family member has said Liknes and Garland had a falling out several years ago over a business deal that ended badly.
Garland lives on an acreage northeast of Airdrie that was meticulously searched by police during their investigation into the trio’s disappearance.
READ MORE: Who is Calgary triple-murder suspect Douglas Garland?
Turning the pain into something positive
Nathan’s parents, Rod and Jennifer O’Brien, launched a private children’s foundation in honour of their son in October 2014.
The Nathan O’Brien Children’s foundation has since hosted several events, raising money that benefits charities supporting children.
In February, thousands packed a charity hockey game held at the Saddledome in honour of the missing trio.
The foundation will also be hosting a fundraiser in August.
The 1st Annual Nathan O’Brien Superhero Sports Decathlon will be held at the Springbank Park For All Seasons on August 15th and 16th.
During the two-day superhero-themed event, teams will play five sports for a minimum of ten hours.
WATCH: Blake Wildeman from the Kidzfirst Grassroots Development Foundation joins Global Calgary with details on the 1st Annual Nathan O’Brien Superhero Sports Decathlon
READ MORE: Missing Calgary family: Who were Nathan O’Brien, Alvin and Kathryn Liknes?
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