CHARGES LAID
Grandma relieved as case against her granddaughter’s babysitter goes ahead after DNA tests confirm snake venom caused toddler’s death
The grandmother of a toddler poisoned by snake venom is relieved charges have finally been laid in the disturbing case, but still wants to know why her family waited nearly five years for answers in little Aleka Gonzales’s death.
“I tried for the last 41/2 years, at least, to find out why they weren’t charging (the accused). It has been very rough, it has been very upsetting not having justice for my granddaughter,” said Phyllis Starblanket, who has walked in Vancouver’s annual Women’s Memorial March carrying photos of Aleka.
“A grandmother should not have to bury a granddaughter before herself.”
Aleka was just two years old when her mother phoned the RCMP on May 19, 2014, to report that the toddler was dead. The family alleges the girl wasn’t alive when she was brought back to her mother’s North Vancouver home by a man who had been babysitting Aleka on the Seabird Island Indian Band near Agassiz.
Police conducted a search warrant in July 2015, seizing snakes and “related equipment” from a Seabird Island home, said Cpl. Richard De Jong. Over the next two years DNA tests were conducted that confirmed snake venom caused Aleka’s death, but police wouldn’t say how the venom got into the girl or what type of snake was involved.
Henry Thomas, 51, was charged Friday with failing to provide the necessities of life, though De Jong wouldn’t say what was allegedly done or not done to endanger her life.
“How it happened, that is all going to be before the courts,” he said.
When asked about the length of time to reach this charge, police noted it was a complex case that involved extensive forensic testing and seeking help from other agencies, such as the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. This case, involving snake venom, was also unique.
“That’s the first I’ve heard (of such a case) in my almost29-year career,” De Jong said.
Aleka’s mother, Venessa Gonzales, said she doesn’t feel the charge is severe enough.
“Poisoning her with snake venom isn’t failing to provide her with the necessities of life. It’s not fair,” she said. “She was the sweetest child ever. She was so funny. She was so bubbly. She was so bossy. She was so smart.
“My whole world fell apart,” added an emotional Gonzales, who said social services has taken three other daughters from her since Aleka’s death. “I want my kids back.”
Starblanket said she doesn’t know if her granddaughter was bitten by a snake, but noted the man who was babysitting her granddaughter had pet snakes.
“All I know is when the autopsy came back, it showed snake venom and also a very heavy narcotic and also she was black-and-blue from head-to-toe,” said the grandmother, who alleges naproxen, an anti-inflammatory drug, was also found in the girl’s system.
The B.C. Coroners Service wouldn’t provide information about the case while it’s before the courts.
Aleka’s favourite things included Dora the Explorer, the colour purple, her toy monkey and dandelions.
“She loved to drum. She had her own little hand drum and her own little hand stick. She was very cuddly. I really miss her so much. My heart just broke in so many pieces when she passed,” said Starblanket, who lives in Mission.