Murder charge stayed against accused infant killer
A second-degree murder charge filed against a man following the death of an infant has been stayed.
Darren Gagnon was the subject of a Canada-wide warrant in connection to the 2016 death of a six-month-old boy. Gagnon was arrested and charged in February of 2019.
He pleaded not guilty and the charge against him was stayed on March 23, 2021, according to the province.
A spokesperson says the decision to stay the charge came after "the decision of the court regarding crucial evidence."
"A careful and thorough review of this matter was conducted, including a review of the court decision for possible appeal. However, this review of this case determined the case no longer met the prosecution standards," the statement reads.
"As there was no longer a reasonable likelihood of conviction, a stay of the charge was entered."
Emergency crews were called to an Edmonton home on July 5, 2016.
The mother of the child reported that she had left her infant son with a family friend while she went to work.
When the mother arrived home, she reported that her baby appeared to be in medical distress, so she called 911.
Paramedics took the baby to hospital where he died two days later from injuries consistent with head trauma, according to police.
A stay of proceedings means the charges are no longer prosecuted and the issue of guilt is not determined.
Prosecutors have one year from the date of the stay to bring back charges for further hearings.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.