Man accused of killing five family members fires second legal team, but murder trial won’t be delayed, judge warns

Ryan Manoakeesick, a 32-year-old Manitoba man, is accused of killing five family members, including his common-law partner and their three children, in February 2024. Manoakeesick has fired his current legal team and is seeking new counsel for his upcoming murder trial, which is set to begin on April 5, 2027. King’s Bench Justice Candace Grammond warned Manoakeesick that the trial dates have been set and are not subject to change.

Crown attorney Mike Himmelman informed Grammond that Manoakeesick wants to explore the possibility of finding other legal representation due to difficulties with his current solicitor-client relationship. Defense lawyer Crystal Antila and co-counsel Candace Olson have withdrawn from representing Manoakeesick at trial but will continue as amicus, or "friends of the court," to advise him if he decides to represent himself.

Manoakeesick, Clearwater, their three children, and Clearwater's 17-year-old cousin Myah-Lee Gratton were all found dead in various locations near Carman, Manitoba, in February 2024.