Bail decision put over for Edmonton mom charged with murder in infant meth overdose

A first court appearance took place on Monday for a 31-year-old Edmonton woman after her 11-day-old baby died from a lethal dose of methamphetamine.

Michelle Rice is charged with second-degree murder in the death of her infant daughter. She appeared in court via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre, wearing a yellow jumpsuit. There was no visible expression on her face and she did not make any comments.

A decision on bail was expected to be made, however Rice’s lawyer Kim Hardstaff asked for a four-week adjournment. Rice’s next court date is June 16 at 9 a.m. She remains in custody.

On Wednesday, March 29, police were called to a report of a baby not breathing at a residence near 72 Street and 83 Avenue. According to the landlord, the child’s mother moved in to the home’s basement suite just before her baby was born in March.

Paramedics transported the infant to hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police said the girl’s name will not be released.

Police were notified on April 6 after an autopsy and toxicology tests confirmed the girl died from a lethal dose of methamphetamine.

READ MORE: Edmonton mother charged with murder after 11-day-old daughter dies of lethal dose of meth

Michelle Rice was arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder. The single mother has another child – a young boy – who is believed to now be in the care of his biological father, according to Edmonton police.

Rice was not previously not known to police.

In the meantime, EPS homicide detectives are looking to speak with several people who are believed to have visited the residence in the 11 days before the baby’s death.

Anyone who may have been at the house on or after March 18 is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.