A Toronto mother has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of her four-month-old baby, who was found critically injured last week in midtown Toronto.
The child was discovered at a residential building near Roselawn Avenue and Marlee Avenue after the father reported the baby missing. Emergency responders rushed the infant to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Initially, the baby’s mother, 30-year-old Karessa Edwards, was charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life. However, after an autopsy, police upgraded the charge to second-degree murder.
This case marks the 79th homicide in Toronto this year, and the city’s homicide unit has taken over the investigation.
Former homicide detective Mark Mendelson, speaking to CP24, explained that the initial charge of failing to provide necessities was broad and could encompass various factors. He added that the investigation’s focus typically depends on the autopsy results, which are crucial in cases of unexplained child deaths.
Mendelson noted that while the full circumstances of the infant’s death may not be immediately clear, the ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more details in the coming weeks, particularly with a publication ban in place.