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Another Alberta Foster Death in News
October 7, 2010 permalink
On January 13, 2010 a four-year-old foster child was found dead in a west Edmonton home. The foster mother, who was also the child's aunt, is awaiting trial on criminal charges. Since names are suppressed, in future stories we will call the girl Edmonton Niece.
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Aunt accused of killing niece has trial adjourned
Alta. woman was acting as foster parent
The trial of an Edmonton woman charged with second-degree murder in the death of her four-year-old niece is being adjourned, after the defence says the accused is willing to admit she caused the injuries that led to the girl's death.
The woman's defence lawyer, Lisa Trach, told CBC News Wednesday that the 24-year-old woman, who cannot be identified in order to protect the child's identity, may undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if she should be held criminally responsible for the murder.
Jury selection for the case had been scheduled to begin Thursday.
The woman was charged in January with second-degree murder, criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life after her niece was found dead in their west Edmonton house on Jan. 13.
The child died as a result of cranial trauma, according to the medical examiner. The girl and her five siblings, who were wards of the province at time of her death, were all living with their aunt.
The woman was acting as their foster parent in a government-approved kinship care arrangement.
At the time of the death, critics raised concerns about whether the young woman with no parenting experience was equipped to deal with six children.
The case is expected to be back before the Court of Queen's Bench on Oct. 22.
Source: CBC
