Nathaniel Carrier has appeared in Prince Albert court to admit to killing his parents and young son.
On Wednesday, Carrier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, Denis Carrier and Sandra Henry, who were both 56. He also pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his seven-year-old son, Bentlee, and attempted murder for an attack on his daughter, Kendrah, who was five at the time.
Prince Albert police officers were called to a home on MacArthur Drive on the afternoon of March 29, 2020. Police said a concerned friend of the family was at the house prior to calling 911. Investigators believe the homicides happened on March 28.
Nathaniel Carrier lived at the home, police have said.
Denis, Sandra and Bentlee were found dead at the house, according to police. Kendrah was airlifted to Edmonton with serious injuries but survived. She underwent surgeries for several weeks before returning to her mother’s care in Prince Albert.
The sequence of the events leading to the attacks wasn’t provided in court Wednesday. A more detailed description is expected during the sentencing process.
Police have not disclosed how the accused harmed his victims. He was initially charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of second-degree murder.
After Nathaniel Carrier entered the pleas, Prince Albert police Chief Jonathan Bergen provided a statement to Global News, in which he called the incident “an unimaginable and horrific tragedy for our community.”
“From the initial response, through the investigation and subsequent court dates, our police officers and Victim Services members have worked closely with loved ones to offer information and support,” Bergen said.
“As professionals, there is no way to prepare for such tragedies and we too have been impacted by the devastating loss of such loving and close-knit members of our community.”
The defence has requested a pre-sentence report. Sentencing is expected on April 13.