Trial underway for Regina couple accused of killing four-year-old, abusing toddler

REGINA – The trial for a Regina couple charged in the death of a young child in their care four years ago officially began Monday.

Kevin and Tammy Goforth are facing second degree murder charges and are also accused of abusing and neglecting the victim’s younger sister.

The children were in the Goforths’ care from January to August 2012.
The trial is expected to take three weeks and will hear testimony from 16 different witnesses including investigators, child protection workers and the accused themselves.

It was an emotional day in court, as the victim’s mother sobbed when the Crown delivered opening statements, recapping the condition of the four-year-old when she was brought to Regina General Hospital in 2012.

Prosecutor Dana Brule said evidence will show the child was only “skin and bones.”

The young girl died in hospital on August 2 and investigation led to the discovery of her two-year-old sister, who was also taken to hospital for nine days and suspected to be abused.

The Crown alleges the pair were malnourished and they intend to prove there’s evidence suggesting both children were physically restrained while in the care of the Goforths.

Defence lawyers Jeff Deagle and Noah Evanchuk told jurors that they’re likely to hear evidence that will shock them but asked the jury to not pass judgment until all evidence has been delivered.

A total of 14 people, seven women and seven men, were selected to serve on the jury. Two will be dismissed at the end of the trial to ensure there are 12 people for deliberations.

The first witness is scheduled when court resumes Tuesday morning.

The girls can’t be identified because of a court order.

Due to a publication ban Global News is no longer able to name the victims in this case.