Father charged with murder in Edmonton toddler death

WARNING: The details in this story may be disturbing to some readers. 

The father of a 19-month-old toddler found dead Friday has been charged with second-degree murder.

Police arrested the 26-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman Saturday, after releasing suspect photos as well as images of the clothes the boy was found in. Police said the couple was found on an ETS bus.

On Monday afternoon, police said the cause of the boy’s death was trauma to the head.

“He suffered a lot of trauma,” said Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter with the EPS Homicide Section.

WATCH: Edmonton police say the boy died of trauma to the head. Hear from Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter of the EPS Homicide Section

Hunter said the boy had “bruises all over his body” and police have yet to determine a motive for the “heinous crime.”

“The marks on the baby’s body will be considered evidence,” he said.

“He was living a terrible life full of violence and one that is incredibly sad and you don’t even want to speak about.”

The body of Anthony Joseph Raine was discovered Friday afternoon next to Good Shepherd Anglican Church in north Edmonton. Investigators later determined the boy’s remains were left there three days earlier, on Tuesday, April 18.

“We believe from the evidence we had at the scene, he had passed before he was placed at the church,” Hunter said.

READ MORE: Police investigate suspicious death of toddler in north Edmonton: ‘Someone out there is missing this little boy’

The boy’s aunt, Brandi Raine, said Anthony, who was born in September 2015, had been staying with his father while his mom was going to school.

READ MORE: Toddler found dead at north Edmonton church identified

The boy’s mother was informed of her son’s death when police officers knocked on her door in Maskwacis late Saturday night, Raine said. The boy’s family has created a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of a funeral.

After the arrests, police thanked both the public and the Edmonton Transit System for their help.

Hunter said the investigation has been tough on everyone involved.

“We have a lot of support networks in place, so we are well looked after and we take care of one another,” he said. “I’m a dad with three kids. It weighs heavy on everyone.”

READ MORE: Edmonton police arrest persons of interest in toddler death

Joey Stanley Crier, 26, and Tasha-Lee Mack, 25, are charged with one count each of second-degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, assault and failing to provide necessaries of life. Crier is also charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Police said both were the toddler’s guardians. Hunter said Crier was the boy’s father and Mack is Crier’s girlfriend.

There is no indication that child services had ever been involved with this family, Hunter said.

Crier and Mack appeared in court Monday morning via CCTV and the case was put over until May 8.

A vigil will be held Tuesday night at Good Shepherd Anglican Church (15495 Castle Downs Road) where Anthony’s body was found. The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton said all members of the community are welcome to drop in between 7 p.m. And 9 p.m., to light a votive candle or to sit for a time of prayer or silence and remember the toddler.