RCMP charge Alberta Amber Alert suspect with 2 counts of 1st-degree murder

BLAIRMORE, Alta. — Police have charged a man with murder in the deaths of a two-year-old southern Alberta girl and her father.

RCMP say Derek James Saretzky, 22, of Blairmore, Alta., faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Terry Blanchette, 27, and his daughter Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, who was the subject of an Amber Alert earlier in the week. 

“Mr. Saretzky also faces one count of indignity to a human body in relation to Hailey’s death,” Supt. Tony Hamori said Wednesday. 

The body of the girl was found on Tuesday in a rural area near Blairmore, 220 km south of Calgary.

The tragedy began to unfold early Monday morning when Hailey’s father was killed in his home and his daughter was taken away in a speeding white van.

Police said they have found a van that they believe is connected to the case.

Hamori said Saretzky and Blanchette knew each other, but wouldn’t provide further details.

“The RCMP extends its deepest condolences to the Blanchette and Dunbar family with respect to Hailey and Terry’s loss, and to all those who knew them and to the citizens of Blairmore,” he said.

Saretzky is to appear in Lethbridge court on Sept. 23.

The Canadian Press

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