Beaverlodge RCMP – Missing children located following July AMBER Alert

September 18, 2026 - Beaverlodge, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit is pleased to report that following an extensive investigation, two children who were the subject of an Amber Alert were located safely on Sept. 17, 2026, in West Kelowna, B.C. 

On July 7, 2026, an investigation began into missing children Lanakai and Karl Morrison. The children were found safe after approximately two and a half months of investigative efforts. Their safety and wellbeing remained the primary focus of investigators throughout the search. 

As a result of the investigation, Krista Morrison and Daniel Ludwig were located and arrested on their outstanding warrants. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.

Krista Morrison and Daniel Ludwig have each been charged with contravening a custody order. They will have a bail hearing in BC; investigators are seeking their detention to have them returned to Alberta to be brought before Justice in Alberta.

Since the children were reported missing, investigators from the Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch pursued numerous investigative leads spanning multiple jurisdictions. The investigation leveraged resources across provincial and territorial borders and involved extensive searches and follow-up on several rural properties, as well as ongoing coordination between specialized RCMP units across Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

Efforts to locate and safely apprehend the missing children, and to arrest Morrison and Ludwig, were supported by members of the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team (ERT) in BC, RCMP Federal Policing, RCMP Air Services, as well as resources from the West Kelowna and Kelowna RCMP Detachments, including investigative services and general duty investigators.

The successful location of these children not only highlights the strength of support networks across the RCMP, but also the dedication of approximately 70 investigators, in addition to civilian support staff, in Alberta, supporting the investigation at various times, who spent countless hours following leads, coordinating resources, and conducting searches across multiple jurisdictions. This was an exhaustive and complex investigation, and their determination and sole focus to locate these children safely never diminished. Today's outcome is a testament to their perseverance, professionalism, and commitment. 

"This investigation demonstrates the dedication and persistence of investigators and the value of collaboration across multiple RCMP units and jurisdictions," said Inspector Breanne Brown, Acting Officer In Charge of the Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch. 

“Through strong partnerships and a coordinated effort between Alberta and British Columbia personnel, we were able to safely locate these children and bring this investigation to a successful conclusion. This highlights the value of a national police service. Provincial and territorial boundaries do not limit our ability to coordinate seamless investigative efforts or mobilize specialized resources where they are needed. Behind every RCMP officer is a broader network of specialized expertise, investigative support, and resources that can be drawn upon as an investigation evolves."

The RCMP would like to thank all police personnel involved in the investigation, as well as members of the public and media partners who shared information and remained vigilant throughout the search.

To protect the privacy of the children, no further details will be released.

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