WIIKWEMKOONG—Police have arrested and charged two individuals in relation to an infant death investigation on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
On May 8, 2023, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) commenced an investigation after an infant was transported to hospital. On May 15, 2023, WTPS requested assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Assistance was provided under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with support from the Manitoulin OPP Detachment. The infant was pronounced deceased on May 16, 2023.
As a result of the investigation, on August 22, 2024, a 33-year-old female was arrested. On August 26, 2024, a 34-year-old male was arrested. Both accused are of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and have been charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences: manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life.
One of the accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Wiikwemkoong on September 3, 2024. The other accused remains in custody and was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Wiikwemkoong on August 27, 2024, for a bail hearing.
As a publication ban has been issued, further information will not be released.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
