Although police said the victims and the suspect of a double homicide in Montague, P.E.I., likely did not have any relationship, members of their families were involved in a fatal traffic accident more than 40 years ago.

Herbert Brent McGuigan, 68, and his son, Brendon Patrick McGuigan, 39, were found dead on Wednesday in a home on St. Mary's Road, about 10 kilometres south of Montague. Police identified them on Friday.

On Thursday, Alfred Guy Vuozzo, 46, of Lower Montague was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

The elder McGuigan's father, it turns out, was the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision in 1970 in which Vuozzo's sister was killed, leading some Islanders to speculate on a possible connection between the incidents.

Police tape surrounds the house where a father and his adult son were killed on St. Mary's Road near the P.E.I. town of Montague. The two have been named as Herbert Brent McGuigan, 68, and Brendon Patrick McGuigan, 39. (CBC)

RCMP initially indicated there was no connection between the three men.

"They did live in close proximity to each other, but it's not believed they had any type of relationship," RCMP Sgt. Leanne Butler told CBC News on Thursday.

However, in a news release Friday, Butler said, "Details about that investigation such as relationships, if any, between the victims and the accused along with further evidence such as any possible motives will come out through the court process."

Autopsies were conducted Friday.

Police haven't said whether a weapon was used.

Vuozzo will remain in custody until his next court appearance Aug. 28.

A public visiting for Brent and Brendon McGuigan will be held Aug. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., from St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sturgeon.

Shock to the community

Montague, P.E.I., resident Doreen Martin says the recent double homicides just outside town were terrible and will affect residents for some time. (CBC)

The homicides have shaken the nearby town of Montague, where many people knew the victims and the suspect. People say they feel for both families

"I think it's terrible and it's going to be sad as the time goes on, it's going to be worse," said Doreen Martin.

Greg MacDonald said, "It's definitely devastating for this whole town and everyone else around to witness that, just to believe it happened here and, you know, it's going to be tough for a while here."