Manitoba

Mom charged with murder after 2-month-old daughter dies in hospital

​A second-degree murder charge has been laid against the mother of a two-month-old girl who died in a Winnipeg hospital earlier this year after the infant was admitted with extensive injuries.

Infant taken to hospital in April with extensive injuries

Mom charged with murder after 2-month-old daughter dies in hospital

9 years ago
Duration 1:21
The mother of a two-month-old girl has been charged with murder, four months after the infant died in a Winnipeg hospital

The mother of a two-month-old girl has been charged with murder, four months after the infant died in a Winnipeg hospital.

On April 27, the baby was taken to hospital with extensive injuries that police later determined were suspicious. The infant died the following day. 

Winnipeg police were called shortly after the baby was admitted to hospital.

Over several months, members of the police child abuse unit conducted a lengthy investigation, and there was an autopsy and numerous interviews, according to Const. Jason Michalyshen.

On Tuesday, the mother, now 44, was charged with second-degree murder.

Michalyshen said investigators relied heavily on medical experts to lay the charge.

Sources told CBC the child had Down syndrome and was beaten to death. 

Police wouldn't confirm the nature of the child's injuries other than to say they were very serious, and they occurred over a short period of time.

Child and Family Services were notified, and two other children, between ages four and six years old, who were living in the home were taken into care, according to police.  

The children's father told CBC his wife had postpartum depression, and many people knew she was struggling with it. He also said his wife is not a killer.

The woman remains in police custody.