Tragic Death of Infant Following Aid Society Visit

WARNING: This story contains highly graphic details of child abuse.

Four-month-old Layah Mashkor had a bruised cheek when a Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa caseworker visited her on April 26, 2023.

Her father, then 29-year-old Ahmed Mashkor, explained to the caseworker that the baby had been rolling around in her crib and had pressed her face against the bars.

Less than a week later, during another visit with a different caseworker on May 1, 2023, Layah appeared injury-free. However, Ahmed Mashkor claimed that she had fallen off the couch while he left her unattended and decided not to take her to the hospital because he thought she looked fine and wasn’t upset.

Just five days after that visit, Layah was tragically killed.

In the early hours of May 6, 2023, her father inflicted two severe blunt-force injuries to her head using considerable force. A forensic pathologist noted this required “severe force,” according to a statement read by assistant Crown attorney Chantal Lefebvre during Ahmed Mashkor’s guilty plea and sentencing in Superior Court last month.

Took Her to Hospital

At 3:20 that morning, Ahmed Mashkor brought Layah to The Ottawa Hospital’s General campus. Surveillance footage captured him walking calmly through the hospital holding Layah close to his chest.

He told staff that she had fallen and was having trouble breathing before handing over his baby – who appeared blue and lifeless in her navy onesie – to a nurse.

Layah was declared dead just two minutes later. After being informed about her death, Ahmed Mashkor told a doctor he needed to step outside for a cigarette but never returned. He didn’t inform anyone of his departure or provide them with his name.

Layah was entitled to the absolute safety and protection of her parent while in his care, and she suffered a fatal assault at his hands.- Assistant Crown attorney Chantal Lefebvre

Surveillance video shows him exiting the hospital at the same calm pace as when he arrived.

Layah had been placed in Ahmed Mashkor’s care two months prior. Initially, he didn’t want anything to do with Layah’s life and insisted on paternity testing before meeting her for the first time on March 3, 2023.

Layah had been placed into her father’s care two months before he killed her. (Cynthia Worthington)

Moved After Incident

He received joint custody of Layah on March 8, 2023, along with Ahmed Mashkor’s mother who got primary custody. They lived together with Ahmed Mashkor’s sister.

This arrangement lasted only 20 days until an incident occurred that led police involvement; they were called and removed Ahmed from the home based on an agreed statement presented in court.

A desire arose for him to move in with his father in Vanier neighbourhood; however, Children’s Aid Society initially deemed that residence unclean and unsafe. They approved their move into the apartment where Layah lost her life just two days later.

An hour after Layah’s death was confirmed, an automated crash response message from Ahmed Mashkor’s i Phone went out to 911. He “had driven his vehicle head-on at a guardrail,” resulting in significant damage as it “went clean through the middle of the vehicle.” The car then caught fire which led authorities to shut down part of the highway.

“There were no brake or skid marks on the roadway before the collision.. indicating that there was no attempt to brake,” stated an agreed fact document submitted in court.

Speedometer ‘Stuck at 165 km/h’

“The speedometer in the vehicle was stuck at 165 km/h while the tachometer showed it was at 5,000 RPM. The steering wheel remained locked straight ahead while still being in ‘drive.’..... A short time later Ahmed Mashkor arrived at The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus where staff restrained him due becoming increasingly aggressive toward them during transport. Security recognized him as having dropped off Layah earlier that day at General campus.
My client can’t bring his daughter back but can take responsibility now..- Defence lawyer Joe Addelman

A charge of second-degree murder followed soon after; by June 10th he pleaded guilty instead for manslaughter under lesser charges. Both Crown prosecution team & defence recommended ten years imprisonment which Justice Marc Labrosse accepted.

With credits included for prior jail time served means now approximately seven years remain left behind bars since one leg amputated via hip post-collision noted within courtroom sessions.

Victim impact statements delivered voiced anguish felt over loss by Cynthia Worthington-Layah’s grandmother-she expressed how desperately wishing things could’ve played differently including wanting answers regarding what truly happened towards “our little angel.”

“I shall never get hold again..,” broke down worthington reflecting upon moments missed(Cynthia Worthington).
Layah’s mother has faced insurmountable grief “inconsolable” since this tragedy unfolded highlighted further sentiment echoed throughout courtroom sessions observed here today.”().“These are always very tragic cases Your Honour-this one especially strikes hard.. infant snuffed out forever away from family.” added defense attorney pointing out necessity facing reality taking accountability moving forward making amends ultimately finding peace.How someone could forget needing others’ help saving lives? asked Crown prosecutor noting discrepancies between laying blame solely onto victim rather placing burden squarely upon those responsible instead clarifying motivations behind decisions made affecting children directly involved amidst narratives surrounding events leading up preceding tragedies witnessed here today…Source link