Jason Klaus charged with murder in deaths of parents, sister

Jason Klaus has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents andsister near Castor, Alta.last December.

The remains of Gordon Klaus, 61, and his daughter Monica Klaus, 40, were found in the rubble of a burnt-out house on Dec. 8, 2013.

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The body of Sandra Klaus, 62, was never found. Police said it was possible her remains were destroyed in the fire. The family dog was also killed.

A warrant was issued for Klaus's arrest on Wednesday. He also faces a charge of intentionally or recklessly setting fire to a home knowing that it was occupied.

Another man, Joshua Frank, 29, is also charged with three counts of first-degree murder. He also faces a charge related to the shooting death of a dog.Frank's connection to Jason Klaus is not known.

RCMP ruled the three deaths to be homicides in February.

In an interview with CBC News last December, Klaus denied he had anything to do with the deaths of his sister and parents. He said that police were treating him like a suspect.

RCMP are planning to hold a news conference about the charges on Saturday.