Police were conducting another sweep of the home where a five-year-old boy and his grandparents went missing nearly two weeks ago.
On Saturday, investigators announced they would be returning to the home of Kathryn and Alvin Liknes, who vanished along with their grandson, Nathan O’Brien, on June 29.
Authorities investigating the missing persons case have said there is evidence that a violent crime occurred at the Liknes home, where the trio was last seen. Police have also said Nathan and his grandparents did not leave the residence voluntarily.
Investigators were also continuing to comb a rural property north of Calgary as they search for clues into the mysterious disappearance. The farmland property, located in Airdrie, Alta., belongs to the elderly parents of Douglas Garland, who is currently considered the only person of interest in the case.
Police confirmed Saturday that Garland had been released from police custody overnight following a court hearing earlier in the week on an identity-theft charge that is unrelated to the missing persons case. Garland, who can’t return to his home in Airdrie as part of his bail conditions, is only allowed to live in transitional housing, such as a hotel or shelter. He has not been charged in connection with the disappearance.
In addition to the Liknes and Garland properties, officers are also sifting through a Calgary landfill.
Despite an Amber Alert and ensuing massive search that has yielded tips from across the country, there is still no sign of Nathan or his grandparents. The trio vanished as Nathan stayed over at his grandparents’ house following a weekend estate sale. When his mother came to pick him up the following day, the trio was gone.
There has been an outpouring of support for the Liknes and O’Brien families, with vigils and prayer services being planned for the Parkhill community in Calgary, where the Liknes home is located.
Neighbours have tied green ribbons on their front property to create more awareness around investigation, and as a show of support for the family.
“The message is that they’re not alone, that we are here with them, and want to support them,” said Parkhill resident Lorri Swinson. “And I hope that they know that.”
Nathan’s parents, Jennifer and Rod O’Brien attended a candlelight vigil on Thursday, telling attendees that they are still holding out hope for the trio’s safe return.
With files from CTV News’ Katie Simpson and CTV Calgary
