A girl faces first-degree murder charges after a baby was found dead in a New Tecumseth home in November 2024; the teen is out on bail with strict conditions.
Editor’s note: The following story contains details heard in court that might not be suitable for some readers.
The trial for a 17-year-old girl accused of killing a newborn baby, discovered in her family’s New Tecumseth home about 18 months ago, has shifted to Barrie after beginning earlier this week at the Bradford courthouse.
The prosecution claims the baby had knife wounds, which will be backed by DNA evidence during the trial.
The girl, who was 16 when the baby was found dead in the bathroom, is being defended by Melina Macchia.
On Wednesday, the teen listened carefully as her father’s police interview was played in court, occasionally jotting down notes.
She is currently out on bail under strict house arrest-like rules, which include an extensive no-contact order that covers her father.
Ontario Court Justice Angela Mc Leod is overseeing the trial.
A publication ban is enforced to protect any information that could reveal the identity of the accused under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The father’s testimony concluded today.
In both his courtroom statements and his interview, he communicated through an interpreter using his native language.
He described picking up his daughter from school shortly after another family member discovered the baby’s body and urged her to explain what happened while assuring her he wanted to help.
The court has already heard that neither of the girl’s parents knew she was pregnant.
While at work, the girl’s mother stayed connected with her husband. He told police that they delayed calling authorities until she could be present when they arrived at their home.
Toward the end of his police interview, he expressed his desire for everything to be “solved,” stating it wasn’t “easy for anybody, (especially) my daughter.”
Court proceedings revealed that the baby was delivered late on or around November 21, 2024, after showing signs of illness to other household members earlier that day.
Police were called at 1:33 p. m. on that same day according to court testimony from Tuesday.
Crown attorney Indy Kandola stated during opening remarks that he intends to present digital evidence from the girl’s phone aimed at demonstrating her intention to dispose of the baby.
Several doctors are also anticipated to testify during this trial.
This trial is expected to take up to two weeks and will continue in Barrie throughout its duration.
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