New evidence leads to murder charge in death of toddler

Police have laid a seconddegree murder charge in the death of three-year-old Ivy Wick, nearly a year after her death.

Emergency crews were called to a Rundle home last Sept. 27 for reports of a child in medical distress. She was rushed to hospital where she ultimately died of her injuries a week later.

In the days after her death, online fundraisers began sprouting up, soliciting both prayers and donations on behalf of Ivy, which suggested she had fallen off her bed and struck her head.

According to police, doctors did not believe the tot’s injuries were consistent with a fall of any kind.

The case was initially investigated by the police child-abuse unit, but was soon handed over to homicide investigators.

Last week, Calgary police revealed new information about Ivy’s death, including the fact an autopsy revealed she died from blunt force trauma and that additional injuries were found on her body consistent with physical abuse.

Last Friday, Justin Paul Bennett, 25, of Calgary was arrested and charged with one count of seconddegree murder in relation to the girl’s death.

Police said Bennett was in a relationship with Ivy’s mother and was not her biological father. Investigators are not looking for any additional suspects in the case.

Both Bennett and Ivy’s mothers were considered suspects by investigators early on in the investigation, as Ivy had been living with both at the time she sustained her fatal injuries.

Staff Sgt. Martin Shiavetta of the Calgary Police Service homicide unit said the charges are a result of a dogged effort to find justice for Ivy.

“Our homicide investigators have worked tirelessly to hold the alleged offender accountable and lay charges in this case,” he said.

“No matter how much time has passed, we are committed to making sure that each homicide is investigated thoroughly to bring justice for the victims. We were fortunate to have the assistance and co-operation from multiple agencies to bring this file to a close, including resources from the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.”

Bennett appeared in a Calgary courtroom on Monday.