Day home operator granted bail in tot’s death

A Calgary day home operator charged with second-degree murder in the death of a 21-month-old girl has been granted bail.

Caitlin Jarosz was released after putting up $10,000 cash and agreeing to several conditions.

“This is a serious case, serious allegations, and people just won’t get out on their own recognizance on a case like this,” defence lawyer Alain Hepner said outside court. “We had to iron out residency requirements, where she’s going to be, where she’s going to work, her employment and educational plan.

“The allegations are from May 2012, she’s been readily available, she has not left the jurisdiction, she has always been available if police wanted to speak to her. She’s not a flight risk, she has no criminal record, she has a residence and a great deal of support from family.”

The child, Mackenzy Woolfsmith, was injured May 2, 2012, while at a private day home on Elgin Heath S.E. She later died in hospital.

Police later revealed she died of blunt-force trauma injuries.

Bail conditions dictate that Jarosz must not have any contact with children under 14 without adult supervision.

She may visit her five-year-old son, as long as the visits are supervised by court-approved workers.

She is also prohibited from possessing firearms or other weapons; she must not be in possession of or apply for a passport until the end of her case; she must not leave the province; and she must not have any contact or communication with the girl’s parents, Jennifer and Dan Woolfsmith.

It is expected a date for a prepreliminary hearing will be set Aug. 22.