CTV News has obtained details on charges faced by two suspects in the death of a toddler.
CTV News has learned Joey Crier, 26 and Tasha-Lee Mack, 25, are each facing one charge of second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, failing to provide the necessities, and assault. Crier is facing a charge of assault causing bodily harm.
Family members identified Crier as the child's biological father, Mack has been identified as Crier's girlfriend. Police said Crier and Mack were guardians of the toddler at the time.
The two accused appeared in court Monday via CCTV, their cases were put over to May 8.
The investigation started Friday afternoon, after passersby found the deceased toddler near a church in the area of 155 Avenue and Castle Downs Road.
Investigators later determined the boy had been left there Tuesday morning – initially, police could not identify the child.
Family members later confirmed his name is Anthony Joseph Raine, and a GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for funeral expenses.
An autopsy was scheduled to take place Monday morning, in a news conference Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter said the cause of death in this case had been found to be head trauma. Police also said the little boy was dead before he was left at the church.
Hunter said the 19-month-old boy “suffered a lot of trauma”.
"He was living a terrible life full of violence and one that is incredibly sad that you don't even want to speak about," Hunter said. "Bruises all over his body, and I'll leave it at that."
