The Crowsnest Pass RCMP have found what they believe to be the body of the two-year-old toddler who went missing on Sept. 14.
Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette was reported missing on Monday and an Amber Alert went out, asking for the public’s help to locate her.
The body was located in the afternoon of Sept. 15 during a police search based on information they received.
Hailey’s family has been notified.
“The RCMP extends its deepest condolences to Hailey’s family. This is a sad day for the citizens of Blairmore and all Canadians who have held this little girl in their thoughts and prayers since Monday,” said RCMP Superintendent Tony Hamori, Assistant District Officer in Southern Alberta in a press release. “We can’t say much about the investigation at this point, other than to thank the public and the media for helping us find Hailey.”
The male suspect who was arrested in Blairmore earlier yesterday remains in police custody for questioning in relation to the investigation into the homicide of Hailey’s father, 27-year-old Terry Blanchette, who was found dead in his Blairmore residence on Sept. 14, and her disappearance.
Charges are pending and once charges are laid, police will release the name of the suspect.
Police are no longer asking for the public’s assistance in locating the white van that was seen near the Blanchette home in the early hours of Monday morning. The Amber Alert issued in relation to Hailey’s disappearance is no longer in effect.
Anyone with information that might assist police in these investigations is asked to call Crowsnest Pass RCMP at 403-562-2866. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers with information at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).