Two children missing since July found safe in West Kelowna after two-month search

Two children missing since July 7 from Beaverlodge have been found safe in West Kelowna, B.C., ending a two-month search that spanned multiple provinces and involved specialized RCMP units from Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Yukon.

Lanakai Morrison, 6, and Karl Morrison, 4, were located Thursday and are in good health. Their biological mother, Krista Morrison, and Daniel Ludwig were arrested on outstanding warrants and charged with contravening a custody order. Both are being held in custody in British Columbia, where bail hearings will take place. RCMP will seek their detention and return to Alberta to face court proceedings.

An Amber Alert was issued when the children went missing but was rescinded three days later because, according to police, "there is no reasonable expectation that the public in Alberta will be able to action the instructions in the alert." The investigation continued after the alert was cancelled.

Inspector Breanne Brown, acting officer in charge of the Serious Crimes Branch, described the investigation as "extreme." Staff Sergeant Derrick Gladdish, team commander, said the case was solved through extensive property searches across multiple jurisdictions and talking to people—not technology. "Both children appeared in good health at time of apprehension," Gladdish said. "They seemed to be happy, young children. They do not seem to be in any distress."

The children are currently in the care of B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Family Development, with arrangements being made to transfer them to Alberta Children's Services to be reunited with their custodial parents and family. Allegations of abuse were investigated and found unfounded.