EDMONTON –

RCMP have laid charges in connection with the double homicide of a mother and her 16-month-old toddler in Hinton, Alta.

Robert Keith Major, 53, of Hinton, faces two counts of second degree murder and one count of indignity towards human remains.

Major is in custody and is scheduled to appear in Edson Provincial Court on Tuesday morning.

At around 6 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to a report that a woman and her toddler were missing. On Friday evening, the RCMP said in a statement that the woman and her child were later found dead.

Investigators say Major lived in the same apartment complex as the woman and her child. The gendarmes add that no other link between him and the victims has been discovered and that no other suspect is sought.

Autopsies are being held in Edmonton on Saturday and Sunday, the RCMP said in a press release.

“This tragic loss of life is incredibly difficult for everyone involved, especially the families of the victims,” said Cpl. Curtis Peters said in a statement. “The family have requested confidentiality for the bereavement at this time and respect for the family’s wishes, the names of the deceased will not be released by the RCMP.”

Hinton is located approximately 284 kilometers west of Edmonton and 81 kilometers northeast of Jasper, Alberta.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Hinton RCMP at 780-865-2455 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-22-8477.