Man accused of killing 5 family members in southern Manitoba deemed fit to stand trial

A man accused of killing his common-law partner, their three young children and his partner’s cousin in southern Manitoba last month has been deemed fit to stand trial, a Winnipeg court heard on Thursday afternoon.

The results of a mental health assessment for Ryan Manoakeesick, 29, were delivered earlier Thursday, Crown attorney Christian Vanderhooft told court. No further details were provided.

Manoakeesick, who did not appear in court, was represented by a law student who appeared for defence lawyer Laura Robinson.

Manoakeesick is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his common-law partner, Amanda Clearwater, 30, their three children,