Alberta judge denies bail for woman accused in girl’s drowning at Wabamun Lake
An Alberta woman accused in the tragic drowning death of a five-year-old girl faced a setback on Wednesday as a judge denied her bail pending trial. Mary Quinn, who appeared remotely via video in provincial court in Stony Plain, Alberta, silently shook her head as Justice Rosanna Saccomani delivered the ruling.
Quinn, dressed in a yellow institutional jumpsuit, was informed that her bail was denied due to concerns about her posing a significant risk to public safety if released. The Crown prosecutor presented a strong case against Quinn, describing the situation as a “parent’s worst nightmare.”
The 35-year-old woman is charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life after the young girl drowned on October 13 at Wabamun Lake, located west of Edmonton. Despite the identity of the child being protected under a publication ban, no other bans were imposed during the bail hearing.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Quinn told conflicting stories to bystanders about the events leading to the girl’s tragic death. Crown prosecutor John Schmidt noted that Quinn did not have permission from her bail supervisor to visit the lake on the day of the incident, as she was already in violation of her house arrest conditions.
According to Schmidt, Quinn and the child were strangers, and the child’s father had not authorized Quinn to take her out on the water. Both individuals were not wearing life jackets at the time. When the father realized his daughter was missing and went in search of her, he found Quinn’s canoe at the far end of Moonlight Bay. Witnesses reported seeing Quinn holding something under the water, which was later revealed to be the young girl.
Despite arguments from Quinn’s defense lawyer, Jason Leung, that his client should be released and could adhere to strict conditions, the judge ultimately decided against granting bail. Quinn’s next court date is scheduled for January 8, 2025.
The tragic incident has left the community reeling, with many questions still unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s death. As the case continues to unfold, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and her family.
