Probe continues into N.S. family's death in travel trailer: 'It may take some time'
The ongoing investigation into the deaths of a family of six from Amherst continued Wednesday with limited developments and authorities suggesting answers may not come quickly.
The bodies of 30-year-old Robert (R.J.) Sears and 28-year-old Michelle Robertson, were discovered Sunday evening, along with four children, identified as 11-year-old Madison, eight-year-old Robert, known as 'Ryder', four-year-old Jaxson, and three-year-old Colin, who the family called 'C-J.'
Relatives discovered their remains in a travel trailer on a piece of property in Millvale, N.S., about 50 kilometres southeast of Amherst where the family lived.
They'd gone to the camper for a weekend getaway to celebrate C-J's, birthday the week before.
Concerns were raised when Robertson failed to show up for work at a retirement home on Sunday.
Police were called shortly after relatives found the bodies, and officers finally left the scene on Wednesday.
"The investigation is still continuing. It's still being lead by the Cumberland County District RCMP. Our officers did, however, release the scene where the fire occurred, and our officers are no longer present," NS RCMP Cpl. Chris Marshall told CTV News on Wednesday.
Along with police, the provincial medical examiner is also involved, having conducted autopsies on the victims.
The Fire Marshall is also working on the case, with spokesperson Krista Higdon telling CTV News via email, "the investigation is ongoing and it may take some time before it is finished."
Drone footage from the scene Tuesday appeared to show the newer model trailer intact, with no apparent exterior damage.
Experts say that's quite rare in the case of fire, which often sweeps quickly through a trailer and usually destroys it.
The case may also wind-up illustrating the importance of safety equipment in recreational vehicles.
"Carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, and a fire extinguishing system. So having those types of features in an RV, in a boat, in a trailer are vital," said Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Chief Roy Hollett, adding any case involving multiple deaths and children is very hard on families and first responders.
One RV dealer told CTV News that detectors are standard equipment in new units, but there's no guarantees in used ones, and the market's full of both.
Police are expecting to update on the case on Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
3 Indian nationals accused of murdering Hardeep Singh Nijjar facing court in B.C.
Three Indian nationals accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are due to face court Tuesday over the killing that triggered a major diplomatic rift with India.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.