The bodies of four family members including a baby and a teen were found frozen and lifeless near the Canada-US border and a Florida man was charged in connection to their deaths.
Steve Shand, 47, was arrested in North Dakota south of the Canadian border by border agents on Wednesday and charged with human smuggling while he carried two illegal Indian nationals inside a 15-passenger van.
Nearby, authorities rescued five Indians that were heading on foot towards the location where Shand was arrested.
Investigators learned that the four deceased migrants found earlier were relatives of the group but got separated at some point as they searched for Shand to pick them up. A backpack containing the deceased infant’s supplies was found with them.
“It is an absolute and heartbreaking tragedy,” Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy said adding that the individuals were walking in chilling temperatures of minus 35 degrees for at least 11 hours.
“These victims faced not only the cold weather but also endless fields, large snowdrifts, and complete darkness.”
