Police say they’ve laid a charge against the half-brother of the deceased after a homicide investigation was launched in Prince Albert, Sask., last month.
Officers were initially called to a home in the 800-block of 17th Street West about a person in cardiac arrest at 8 p.m. on April 8.
A three-year-old girl was found unresponsive and life-saving efforts were made by members of Parkland Ambulance while en route to Victoria Hospital, according to a press release.
Emily McCallum-Daniels was later transferred to Saskatoon’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital where she was declared dead by medical staff on the afternoon of April 9.
“I would like to, on behalf of the police service, extend my condolences to the family of the three-year-old Emily McCallum-Daniels, who passed away,” said Inspector Craig Mushka, who is in charge of the criminal investigations division with the Prince Albert police.
“This was a very tragic loss, not only for the family of Emily, but also the community as a whole.”
An autopsy was completed on Tuesday. The cause of death was not released by Prince Albert police.
Fabian Morin, 21, was arrested on Tuesday at a home in Prince Albert.
He is facing a second-degree murder charge in relation to the death. Police said the accused made his first court appearance by video link on Wednesday and has been remanded in custody until his next court date scheduled for June 5.
Mushka said Morin was one of the people that were in the home at the time McCallum-Daniels was injured.
“As part of the investigation… numerous witness statements had to be obtained. It was a lengthy timeline that needed to be established,” Mushka said.
“No further charges are going to be filed. However… the investigation is ongoing.”
Mushka said although he thinks any homicide investigation is going to be challenging for police members involved, it certainly is elevated when the deceased is three years old.
“We do receive training and we have outlets and programs designed to assist us. I mean, as police officers, we’re human, too. So we strongly encourage our members to reach out for any type of support if that’s required,” Mushka said.
“As an organization, we will often provide debriefing sessions when it’s required. So overall, I think the members themselves are doing well and are healthy. But it’s a continual process so it’s something that we are definitely aware of and we recognize.”