Advertisement

Tamara Lovett trial: mom researched holistic remedies month before son’s death

Click to play video: 'Tamara Lovett trial: Police interrogation tapes released'
Tamara Lovett trial: Police interrogation tapes released
WATCH ABOVE: Court heard from Tamara Lovett herself for the first-time on Friday, as tapes of her police interrogation after her son’s death were shown. Global’s Kris Laudien reports – Dec 2, 2016

A woman charged in the death of her son began researching holistic remedies nearly a month before he eventually died of an overwhelming infection brought on by strep.

Tamara Lovett, 47, is on trial charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life and with criminal negligence causing the death of her son Ryan in 2013.

READ MORE: Calgary mother arrested after 7-year-old son’s death

Court has heard her seven-year-old son was treated with dandelion tea and oil of oregano. He died from massive organ failure as a result of “overwhelming sepsis.”

Ryan Lovett. Provided to Global News

Calgary police acting Sgt. Gary Novokowsky testified Friday  that he was asked to do a forensic investigation of Lovett’s computer and cellphone after Ryan died on March 2, 2013.

Story continues below advertisement

“I was asked to search for evidence in relation to a suspicious death of a child,” Novokowsky said.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“I was asked to search for evidence relating to alternative medical treatments or, for lack of a better term, the rejection of traditional medicine.”

In her interview with police, Lovett told the officer her son had had flu symptoms and nosebleeds for a couple of weeks but worsened a couple of days before his death. He was complaining of pain in his legs, his skin became jaundiced, his urine was dark and he was having trouble standing.

READ MORE: Tamara Lovett’s estranged ex said he found out about son’s death on Facebook

She said early on March 2 he complained of stomach pains and she helped him into the bathroom. He collapsed, began to convulse and she dialled 911.

Novokowsky told court there was a search about children’s nosebleeds in January and a link to a newspaper article warning Canadians are “blind to the dangers of prescription drugs.”

He said there were a number of searches beginning Feb. 5, 2013, including “children, swollen groin, lymph nodes.” That was followed with searches for “oil of wild oregano testimonials” and information for earaches, ear infections, norovirus and even “radiation sickness.”

Ryan Lovett. Provided to Global News

The day before Ryan died, Lovett researched jaundice, home remedies, the benefits of dandelion tea and herbs to help the liver.

Story continues below advertisement

In her police interview, Lovett said she had taken her son to a holistic clinic on a number of occasions.

“Yeah, I took him there just for checkups and making sure he had all 10 fingers and all 10 toes.”

Lovett said she realized the day before Ryan died that she might have to take him to hospital.

“When he presented with the jaundiced eyes, that was like, if this starts to escalate then, yeah, we gotta think about getting him to the hospital,” she said.

“That was the first time when it entered into my mind … You may just have to take him to the hospital and deal with this.”

Lovett broke down a number of times during the interview.

“My baby. Mummy couldn’t save you,” she sobbed. “You lose your whole family in an instant.”

The Crown has wrapped up its case. Lovett’s lawyer is to begin her defence Monday.

Sponsored content

AdChoices