The family of Jasmine Lovett, 25, and her daughter Aliyah Sanderson said their lives had been “devastated and our hearts are heavy” following the discovery of their bodies in woods west of Calgary on Monday.
Robert Leeming, 34, who has lived in Canada for six years, previously denied any involvement. He said he had been “traumatised” after becoming a prime “murder” suspect.
He said he had previously been romantically involved with Ms Lovett.
The victim with her daughter had been renting from Leeming at his home in the Cranston district of Calgary.
The mother and daughter, whose deaths are being treated as murder, were last seen alive in Cranston on Tuesday evening, April 16 – but activity continued on Ms Lovett’s bank accounts for two further days.
A week later Leeming was arrested but was later released after being questioned. At the time police said the man they arrested remained the main suspect.
Robert Leeming has been rearrested. Pic: CTV Calgary
Post-mortem examinations are expected to take place, although the cause of death is not expected to be released.
The mother and daughters’ family said in a statement: “Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Calgary Police Service as well as those who have worked diligently in the search for Jasmine and her baby girl Aliyah.
“We would also like to thank the public for their continued support which has meant a great deal to us.
“Our lives have been devastated and our hearts are heavy. We are trying to understand how this tragedy could have happened to our loved ones.”
