Slain toddler’s family packs Cold Lake courtroom

Relatives hiss as image of accused killer appears on screen from remand centre

COLD LAKE “I’ve been waiting a long time for this,” the grandfather of a murdered toddler said about the accused killer’s first court appearance Wednesday.

Sherman Robert Whitford, 35, appeared in court via CCTV after being charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of 16-month-old Veronica Poitras.

Members of Veronica’s family, who packed Cold Lake provincial court, hissed at Whitford when his image was transmitted from the Edmonton Remand Centre, where he is being held.

Jason Houle, Veronica’s grandfather, held a large picture of the toddler in court. Other family members held cardboard signs asking for justice.

The case was quickly adjourned to Nov. 6. Whitford’s next appearance is scheduled to be a bail hearing in St. Paul.

Houle is hoping Whitford, who is from Goodfish Lake, won’t be granted bail.

“My granddaughter ... no little baby should have to go through that,” Houle said. “She was tortured.” Houle said Veronica was beaten to death after his daughter, Jaylene Houle, 19, went out to get groceries and KFC.

Jaylene Houle was seen in court Wednesday with Whitford’s family. Jason Houle and his extended family called out to her, but she was rushed away to a vehicle by one of the court sheriffs without speaking to reporters.

“We just want to talk to her,” said Jason Houle. “I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights since this has happened.”

Veronica was taken from her mother’s Cold Lake apartment to the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre across the street just after 7 p.m. Aug. 26. Soon after, she was rushed to an Edmonton hospital. She was taken off life support and pronounced dead Aug. 29.

On Sept. 8, the RCMP ruled the death a homicide.

Whitford was charged with the girl’s murder Monday.