Calgary police have released a man who is considered the “primary suspect” in the investigation into the suspected double homicides of 25-year-old Jasmine Lovett and her daughter, Aliyah Sanderson.
Lovett and her 22-month-old daughter were last seen in the community of Cranston on the evening of Tuesday, April 16.
A week later, they were reported missing by Lovett’s family after they didn’t show up to a family dinner on April 23. Police said Thursday investigators had no evidence that the pair were alive.
The Calgary Police Service said Thursday they had a suspect in custody who was being questioned, but in a Friday news release, stated the man had been released and no charges were laid.
“However, he remains the primary suspect in the case,” CPS said.
Global News confirmed Thursday that a home in Cranston that was at the centre of the investigation and being searched extensively by the forensic crime scenes unit belonged to Robert Leeming. Global News also confirmed Leeming worked at Paradise Truck and Trailer, but was fired on Thursday.
Investigators said Thursday the suspect and victims were known to each other, but the nature of their relationship was unknown.
WATCH: Crews search area near Bragg Creek as part of double-homicide investigation. Christa Dao reports.
The search of the Cranston home, where evidence markers were seen in the garage on Thursday, was still active on Friday, police said.
Extensive search in Bragg Creek area
Police are asking the public for information specifically around a man in his mid-30s driving a grey luxury SUV in the Bragg Creek and/or East Kananaskis area between April 16 and April 18. Investigators believe the man may have been alone or with either one of the victims and may have been carrying mulch.
It’s believed the man was in the Fullerton Loop/Elbow Falls area between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18.
More than 50 police officers are involved in an extensive search in the Bragg Creek and Priddis area after cellphone pings led investigators to believe evidence may be in the area.
A cadaver dog along with a large RCMP tactical unit was brought in on Friday evening to help with the search.
The search involves officers from the CPS mounted unit, public safety unit, patrol and HAWCS along with RCMP members, local search and rescue groups and officers from Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
Property owners in the Bragg Creek area are still being asked to check their property for anything suspicious, “especially if any new mulch has been dumped between Tuesday, April 16 and Saturday, April 20.”
WATCH: Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta explains what police are searching for in the disappearance of Jasmine Lovett and daughter Aliyah Sanderson
Police also asked hikers and bikers in the area to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
Anyone who may have seen the SUV or have information on the case is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234, through the homicide tip line at 403-428-8877 or to contact Crime Stoppers.
“The Calgary Police Service is grateful to the community of Bragg Creek and Calgarians for the tips and assistance that has already been provided in this investigation,” CPS said. “Public tips and cooperation often are a critical factor in helping investigators learn what happened in cases like this one.”
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