A missing mother and her toddler daughter have mysteriously been found dead near a small town west of Calgary, Alberta, on May 6.
Calgary Police confirmed at 4 a.m. local time they found the bodies of a woman and child who are believed to be Cranston mother Jasmine Lovett, 25, and Aliyah Sanderson, 22 months old, near Kananaskis, 86 kilometers (54 miles) west of Calgary.
Officers traced the missing pair to a densely forested area near Grizzly Creek off Highway 40 where the grim discovery was made.
One unnamed suspect has already been arrested and charges are pending.
"The suspect cannot be named by police until charges are officially laid by the Justice of the Peace. This is expected to occur later today, or tomorrow," police said. "However, police can confirm the suspect is the same man who was taken into custody two weeks ago."
Police described the suspect as a Caucasian man aged in his mid 30s.
"The man may have been alone or with either of the victims, and may have been carrying mulch in his vehicle. Investigators specifically believe the man was in the Fullerton Loop/Elbow Falls area between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Thursday last week (April 18)."
The investigation was previously treated as a potential double homicide back when police were unable to find any evidence the pair were alive.
Investigators did not believe the incident was random.
"The suspect and victims knew each other," police said.
Family members of the victims were devastated to learn the lives of Lovett and Sanderson had reached a tragic end.
The Lovett family thanked everyone who helped search for the pair.
“Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Calgary Police Service as well as those who have worked diligently in the search for Jasmine and her baby girl Aliyah. We would also like to thank the public for their continued support which has meant a great deal to us," the family said.
Police also thanked many partner agencies, members of the public, and the media for helping to find the missing mother and child.
"We are grateful for the support of Calgarians," police said.