Woman accused of killing her daughter granted bail

Five-year-old girl died of ‘extensive blunt force trauma’ in October 2015

A woman accused of killing her five-year-old daughter will be released pending trial after having her bail denial overturned by the Court of Appeal of Alberta earlier this month.

Lauren LaFleche faces charges of second-degree murder and assault with a weapon in connection with the October 2015 death of her daughter Shalaina Arcand.

LaFleche was arrested and charged in October 2016 following a lengthy investigation by the medical examiner’s office that found the young girl died as a result of “extensive blunt force trauma” to her head. The medical examiner noted other injuries all over the child’s body, including contusions so deep her liver was damaged.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Ken Nielsen denied LaFleche bail in December, saying it was a “serious” and “grave” offence, and that he was concerned about the public losing confidence in the administration of justice.

In its reasons for decision filed April 7, the Court of Appeal of Alberta set aside Nielsen’s denial, citing arguments presented by defence lawyer Peter Royal that LaFleche hadn’t offended during the year between her daughter’s death and when she was charged. It also noted LaFleche has the support of her family members, who are prepared to supervise her and ensure she does not have contact with her two surviving children.

During the initial hearing, Crown prosecutor Laurie Trahan argued for LaFleche’s bail to be denied, citing a number of allegations of abuse by LaFleche on all three of her children.

Court heard paramedics responded to a residence near 116 Avenue and 124 Street in the early morning hours of Oct. 13, 2015, and took Shalaina to the Stollery Children’s Hospital. She died three days later after being taken off life support.

LaFleche waited 90 minutes before calling 911 and enlisted her eldest daughter to help her wash Shalaina and dress her in clean clothes.

Court also heard LaFleche denied her identity and attempted to flee when police first came to arrest her.

Royal did not seek a publication ban on the contents of the initial bail hearing.

In its reasons for decision, the appeal court said questions raised by interviews with Shalaina’s siblings, child welfare records and medical evidence must be weighed against LaFleche’s right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and her constitutional right not to be denied bail without “just cause.”