Quebec police still looking for father, two days after missing girls found dead

ST-APOLLINAIRE, Que. – Quebec provincial police continue to search today for the father of two girls whose bodies were found Saturday in a small town southwest of Quebec City.

The bodies of Norah and Romy Carpentier, aged 11 and 6, were located in a wooded area in the community of St-Apollinaire, Que.

Provincial police say they continue to focus their hunt for Martin Carpentier near where the girls’ bodies were found after discovering items they say are of interest to their investigation.

Police did not specify what the items were but raised the possibility Carpentier could be unconscious or dead.

They say a helicopter, a drone and police dogs are all involved in the search.

The girls were last seen Wednesday and became the subject of an Amber Alert the next day.

On Sunday, the manhunt for their 44-year-old father had authorities tightening the search in a thickly wooded area near where the young sisters from Levis, Que. were found.

Residents had helped with the searches until Saturday, but police asked people to stay away from the area Sunday to let officers work.

The case has gripped the attention of the province, especially in the town of just over 6,000 people where it’s playing out.

Police have said the girls and their father were believed to have been in a car crash on Highway 20 in St-Apollinaire Wednesday evening.

Investigators said the car was heading east when it skidded into the median, flipped over and landed on the shoulder on the opposite side of the highway.

But police did not find any occupants inside the car when they arrived.

The Canadian Press