CALGARY – The suspicious death of a young boy in Calgary’s Ranchlands community drew memories from those who cared for him as a boy full of energy with a love for animals.
“Little Isaiah would come stay with us, and he cuddled in bed with me often, and called me mom,” neighbour Shauna Moline said Monday.
EMS were called to a home in the 400 block of Ranchlands Grove N.W. just after 10 p.m. Saturday for a check on welfare.
Police said a three-year-old boy was found dead in the home, and a woman was taken to hospital in stable, non-life-threatening condition. An autopsy is underway for the young boy, who has been identified as Isaiah Zoue.
Neighbours said Isaiah lived in the home with his mother, Fatima Bamba.
One neighbour, who didn’t wish to be identified, said the boy’s mother had health issues.
“We actually watched the little guy last summer for a week – she was in the hospital,” said the neighbour. “He was a good kid. Enthusiastic little guy.”
Moline said she believed Isaiah’s mother was in the hospital Monday afternoon.
“I have tried to get ahold of her,” Moline said. “As far as I know, she’s sedated and no visitors.”
The homicide unit continues to investigate, but police said there is no threat to the public.
“He was just so sweet…this is just horrible,” said Moline.
“Who would want to hurt a child?”
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234, the Homicide Unit Tip Line at 403-428-8877 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.