The RCMP in Manitoba are investigating the murders of five people, including three children.

The Mounties were called out around 7:30 Sunday morning to a report of a hit and run just south of Carmen.

The body of a female was discovered in a ditch and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 10:00 that morning, Headingly RCMP were contacted about a vehicle fire.

Police now say the suspect pulled the children out of the vehicle.

The 29 year old man was taken into custody at the scene of vehicle fire and now faces five first degree murder charges.

Investigation led officers to a home in Carmen, where the body of another person was discovered.

The RCMP say the woman found in the ditch was a 30 year old, who lived common-law with the suspect.

All three children were theirs, with the youngest being two months old and the others were four and six respectively.

The other person found deceased in the home was a 17 year old niece of the woman found in the ditch.

Autopsies on the five people killed are taking place today and tomorrow.

Premier Wab Kinew calls the situation “pure darkness”, but he asks church congregations to pray for the family and the people of Carmen.