The father of two girls found slain in an Oak Bay apartment on Christmas Day has been charged with murder.
RCMP say Andrew Berry has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, with a listed offence date of Dec. 25.
First responders were called to the apartment after Berry failed to return the girls, six-year-old Chloe and four-year-old Aubrey, to their mother at the proper scheduled time.
The girls were found dead in the apartment and Berry was rushed to hospital in an apparent suicide attempt.
Police initially said Berry was not in custody but was under police guard in the hospital.
Upon his release, Berry was arrested immediately.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit says it is still investigating the double homicide, and a victim services unit is supporting those affected by the tragedy.
"From the moment the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit arrived, they have been compassionate, professional, and diligent," Oak Bay Police Chief Ray Berniotes said in a statement. "We’ve been engaged with them throughout this investigation and we’re very grateful for their tireless effort."
According to court documents, the girls' mother Sarah Cotton had previously expressed concerns about Berry's parenting skills and was locked in a bitter custody dispute with him a year before the tragedy.
A judge heard from Cotton that Berry acted aggressively toward her, including an incident that resulted in his arrest in 2013.
The judge concluded that it was in the best interests of the girls to have significant parenting time with Berry.
B.C. children's watchdog has said it is considering launching an investigation into the homicides.
A candlelight vigil was held at Willows Beach over the weekend as hundreds of people mourned the deaths of the two little girls, described as "bright lights" known for their beaming smiles.
