EDMONTON — On Wednesday, the man accused of murdering two-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and her father Terry Blanchette was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 69-year-old Hanne Meketech.
Below is a timeline of events with details from Alberta RCMP regarding the death of 27-year-old Terry Blanchette, the abduction and death of Hailey, and the death of Meketech.
NOTE: All times are in Mountain Time.
Sept. 14, 2015
11:12 a.m. — Crowsnest Pass RCMP receive a call reporting a sudden death at a home in Blairmore, Alta.
11:12 a.m. – 2:13 p.m. — Several events happen over the course of three hours.
- Officers secure scene and begin investigation. RCMP Major Crimes Unit based in Calgary is called in.
- Police learn that a child lived at the home and that she may be missing.
- Officers search the area, including a canvass of the neighbourhood to make sure the child isn’t with a neighbour.
- Police try to get contact information for the child’s mother.
- Investigators gather information that indicates the little girl was abducted from the home at 3:30 a.m. Monday.
WATCH: Amanada Blanchette, sister of murdered father Terry Blanchette, and Rebecca Harrington, who is missing 2-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette’s godmother and close friend of Terry Blanchette, speak about the case.
2:14 p.m. – An Amber Alert is issued for Alberta. The child’s mother contacts RCMP.
READ MORE: Amber Alert: What we know so far about Terry Blanchette and daughter Hailey
3:15 p.m. – The Amber Alert is extended to British Columbia, Montana, and Saskatchewan.
5:30 p.m. – During a news conference RCMP confirm they’re investigating Terry Blanchette’s death as a homicide.
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Sept. 15, 2015
The investigation continues.
1 p.m. — During a news conference, RCMP reveal a 22-year-old man was arrested in Blairmore. They said the man, who had not been charged and whose name would not be released, is being questioned in relation to the Blanchette homicide and the disappearance of Hailey.
READ MORE: Man arrested, Amber Alert continues for Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette
The RCMP continues to investigate and the Amber Alert remains in effect. Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette is described as a Caucasian female child, small build, light brown, straight hair with bangs, and brown eyes. She was abducted by an unknown person.
The suspect vehicle, fled the residence west, at a high rate of speed. The vehicle is described as a newer model white van, with a large rear antenna, with a flag attached. RCMP said the suspect should not be approached.
Around 9 p.m. — RCMP victims services confirm at a public vigil in Blairmore the remains of Hailey had been found. Sources tell Global News the girl’s remains were found close to the community of Blairmore, where she went missing.
WATCH: RCMP say the remains of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette were found Tuesday afternoon.
Sept. 16, 2015
Around 9:45 a.m. — Derek Saretzky, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Hailey and her father Terry. RCMP believe Saretzky planned the murders. Saretzky is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Sept. 23.
READ MORE: What we know about Derek Saretzky
11:15 a.m. – Hailey’s mother, 20-year-old Cheyenne Dunbar, describes her daughter as “smart” and “beautiful” and said Blanchette was an “awesome father.” Dunbar said she was friends with Saretzky years ago but hadn’t spoken to him in three years.
READ MORE: ‘She was my baby’: Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette’s mother Cheyenne breaks down
Sept. 23, 2015
Global News is told by sources that Saretzky is rushed to hospital in medical distress and placed in a medically-induced coma after allegedly attempting to take his own life while in a shower at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.
READ MORE: Derek Saretzky taken to hospital after suicide attempt: sources
Sept. 25, 2015
A source tells Global News Saretzky has come out of the coma.
READ MORE: Derek Saretzky out of medically-induced coma after suicide attempt: source
Sept. 30, 2015
Saretzky is ordered to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment in order to determine whether he’s fit to stand trial for the murder’s of Hailey and Blanchette.
READ MORE: Derek Saretzky ordered to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment
Oct. 28, 2015
Saretzky is ordered to undergo another 30-day psychiatric assessment after his doctor makes the request to the judge.
READ MORE: Derek Saretzky’s psychiatric assessment extended 30 days
Nov. 25, 2015
A Lethbridge court determines Derek Saretzky is mentally fit to stand trial on the two first-degree murder charges.
READ MORE: Derek Saretzky mentally fit to stand trial; next court date in February
Feb. 26, 2016
Saretzky makes a brief court appearance in a Lethbridge court, where a judge set aside June 20 to 30 for a preliminary hearing.
READ MORE: Preliminary hearing set for accused Blairmore double-murder suspect Derek Saretzky
April 20, 2016
Derek Saretzky is charged with the first degree murder in the death of 69-year-old Hanne Meketech.
Meketech was found dead in her home in the southern Alberta community of Coleman on Sept. 9, 2015.
Global News confirmed Meketech lived next door to Saretsky’s grandparents.
READ MORE: Blairmore double-murder suspect Derek Saretzky charged with murder of southern Alberta woman
May 8, 2017
Trial proceedings for accused triple murderer Derek Saretzky began on Monday, May 8, 2017 in Lethbridge.
The case will begin with pre-trial applications that are expected to take several weeks. The trial proper will get underway at the end of the month with jury selection scheduled for May 25 and 26.
READ MORE: Trial proceedings to begin for accused Blairmore triple murderer Derek Saretzky
The trial by judge and jury is anticipated to begin on May 29 and run until June 30.
Watch below: Timeline of Derek Saretzky case as of May 8, 2017
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