On May 14th at 3:30 p.m., Red Deer RCMP attended a residence in the Lancaster neighborhood of Red Deer as part of a welfare check.

RCMP gained entry into the secure residence and once inside they located the body of a 39-year-old male and a six-year-old female; father and daughter.

Serious Crimes Branch South was called in to assist Red Deer City and Red Deer GIS with the investigation.

The names are not being released at this time.

Initial investigation suggests that there is no threat to the public.

The school of the girl has been notified and is in the process of arranging counsellors for any affected teachers and students.

Police will be working in consultation with the medical examiner’s office to determine cause and manner of death for both the deceased.

The investigation is ongoing and autopsy for both deceased is set to take place on May 16th at the Calgary Medical Examiner’s Office. The scene will be held until the autopsy is complete.

“On behalf of the RCMP, I want to express our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, “ says Supt. Ken Foster, officer in charge of Red Deer RCMP. “This is a tragic loss that affects our whole community.”

A news conference will be held today at 3 p.m. at the downtown Red Deer RCMP detachment. More to come.

– Fawcett