ST. JOHN’S – Legislation tightening bail rules, sparked by the death of a toddler, was signed into law Wednesday seven years after a Newfoundland woman out on bail for murder drowned herself and her 13-month-old son.
Gov.-Gen. David Johnston gave royal assent to Bill C-464 – a private member’s bill championed by the child’s U.S. grandparents, David and Kate Bagby, who were incensed the Canadian legal system allowed Shirley Turner custody of the son she had with the man she was accused of killing.
Bill C-464 amends the Criminal Code to refuse bail to those charged with serious crimes when necessary to protect the safety of the public, specifically children under the age of 18.
It stems from the death of Zachary Turner, who was killed by his mother when she walked into the ocean with him near St. John’s, drowning them both in 2003.
At the time, the ex-doctor was on bail, accused in the murder of Andrew Bagby, Zachary’s American father, and awaiting extradition to the U.S. to stand trial.
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