Man charged with second-degree murder after couple killed on rural northern Alberta road

RCMP in northern Alberta have charged a 42-year-old man with two counts of second-degree murder following a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of a married couple on a rural road near Grande Prairie.

Police say officers were called early Saturday to reports of an active shooting near the intersection of Range Road 35 and Township Road 730, north of Grande Prairie. When officers arrived, they found David Lagace, 54, and his wife Michelle Lagace, 44, dead beside their vehicle.

Investigators identified Curtis Phillip Halladay as the suspect later that day. RCMP say Halladay was known to the couple, though police have not released further details about the relationship or the motive, citing the ongoing investigation.

Halladay was located and arrested shortly after 1 p.m. in the town of McLennan, northeast of Grande Prairie. During the search, RCMP issued a public alert warning residents to remain vigilant due to concerns the suspect may have had access to weapons.

RCMP say the shooting appeared to be targeted and occurred while the couple had been driving in the area. Police extended condolences to the victims’ family and friends in a statement released Sunday.

Halladay is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8.