Trial begins for Granby woman accused of killing seven-year-old stepdaughter
WARNING: This story contains details some may find distressing
The trial of a Granby, Que. woman accused of killing her stepdaughter two years ago opened Monday morning at the Trois-Rivieres courthouse.
The 14 members of the jury heard a frantic 911 call from the apartment where the seven-year-old lived. The caller urged the operator to send an ambulance, and said the girl wasn’t breathing and had no heartbeat.
A paramedic gave the caller instructions on how to give CPR until a police officer eventually arrived and took over, but the little girl was then taken to hospital where she died the following day.
In his opening statement, the prosecutor said the stepmother was charged with second-degree murder and says that she wrapped her stepdaughter in adhesive tape.
The first witness was the first police officer on the scene, who told the court he was surprised by what he saw. The girl was emaciated and had bruises on her legs, thighs, upper body, her arms and hands. Her body was also unusually hot, he said.
The second officer on the scene said she, too, remarked how thin the girl was. The room she was in was dark, the windows were covered, and the furniture was piled up against the wall.
It was macabre, she told the jury, while holding back her tears.
The jury was shown photos of discarded adhesive tape and scissors next to the victim’s body.
The prosecution said it plans to call at least 20 witnesses throughout the trial, which was moved from Granby to Trois-Rivières at the request of the defence.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.