RCMP investigate suspicious deaths of mother, 8-month-old daughter

BrooksRCMP andthe AlbertaRCMPmajor crimes unit are investigating the suspicious deaths of a mother and her eight-month-old daughter.

Around8 p.m.on May 7, police responded to a reportof a woman and child found dead in their home in Newell County, Alta.In a news release issuedSunday, police said it was the fatherwho discovered the bodiesof his baby girl and her 29-year-old mother.

"This is a tragic loss of life and very difficult circumstances for the family and community of the victims," Sgt.Erick Youngstrom of the RCMPmajor crimes unit said in the release.

Brooks RCMP contacted the major crimes unit tohelp with the investigation.

After a search of the surrounding area, a dead male, believed to be a sibling of the dead mother, was found.

Autopsies will be performed on May 10, but police said it is apparent the male died from self-inflicted injuries.

"We will be continuing to investigate and seeking to determine what took place. The family has asked for privacy at this time," Youngstrom said.

Newell County is about 155 kilometres southeast of Calgary.