A man faces two charges of second-degree murder following a fatal incident near Grande Prairie, Alberta, early Saturday. The Grande Prairie Rural RCMP responded to reports of a shooting along a rural road near Range Road 35 and Township Road 730 in Grande Prairie County. Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered two individuals, identified as David Lagace, 54, and Michelle Lagace, 44, deceased next to their vehicle.
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of the Grande Prairie RCMP revealed that authorities received a report of an active shooting on Saturday morning, leading to the discovery of the deceased couple. Following initial investigations, the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit assumed control of the case.
An alert was issued for a dangerous individual in northwestern Alberta around 11:30 a.m., describing the suspect as armed and on the run in a black truck. By 1 p.m., the suspect’s vehicle was located near McLennan, Alberta, prompting the deployment of the emergency response team for the suspect’s arrest.
The RCMP has formally charged Curtis Phillip Halladay, 42, with two counts of second-degree murder. Although authorities confirmed a connection between the suspect and the victims, specifics about their relationship were not disclosed. Cpl. Savinkoff described the incident as a “targeted” crime. Halladay is currently in custody, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for January 8.