Toronto police say the person or persons responsible for the shooting death of a pregnant mother last year would also face murder charges in connection to the infant’s death if caught.
Candice Rochelle Bobb, 33, was five months pregnant when she was shot and killed on the evening of May 15, 2016 while sitting in the back seat of a car in Toronto’s Jamestown neighbourhood.
The mother of two was with three other passengers in the vehicle when the shooting took place. Police said she was not the intended target.
Her baby boy, named Kyrie, was delivered prematurely by emergency C-section but died three weeks later.
“If the offender or offenders are identified and arrested, they would also be charged with the homicide of baby Kyrie,” Det. Sgt. Mike Carbone told reporters at press conference in Toronto on Tuesday.
“We consulted with very senior prosecutors and based on that consultation we’ve come to this decision.”
WATCH: Toronto police renew call for information after pregnant mother Rochelle Bobb killed. Catherine McDonald reports. (Feb. 28)
Police have yet to make any arrests in the case.
Carbone said the way the vehicle was driven may have played a role in the shooting after it made an abrupt U-turn in front of the Jamestown building complex.
“The U-turn in front of the Jamestown complex could have drawn the attention of the offender as being some type of threat to them,” he said.
Police said they hope the announcement of a murder charge in the death of Kyrie will help generate some leads.
“I hope it will appeal to someone’s conscience or maybe the individual himself will come forward,” Carbone said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).