P.E.I. woman accused of killing infant daughter released with conditions
A Charlottetown woman, Cassie Acorn, has made her first appearance in P.E.I. Supreme Court after being accused of killing her three-month-old child. The 39-year-old entered the courtroom with her wrists and ankles shackled, as Charlottetown police had laid a first-degree murder charge against her the day before.
Detective-Sergeant Darren MacDougall revealed to CBC News that the tragic incident unfolded when a report was received on March 17 regarding a baby in the care of the IWK Health Centre in Halifax who had sustained skull fractures the previous day. This led to severe swelling and bleeding in the child’s brain, ultimately resulting in her death on March 20.
MacDougall explained that Cassie Acorn was not previously known to the police, and there were no prior calls related to the relationship between the mother and her infant daughter. The investigation into the heartbreaking case is ongoing, with the support of the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.
Despite being initially held in custody after being charged, Acorn has now been released with conditions placed on her activities. These conditions include restrictions on leaving P.E.I., notifying police of any address changes, and surrendering any passports, firearms, or firearms licenses. The decision for her release was influenced by the expected five months required to obtain a complete report from the Medical Examiner.
Both the Crown prosecutor, John Diamond, and the defense are seeking a publication ban on any evidence that may be presented at a preliminary hearing. Diamond emphasized the importance of avoiding any information that could potentially bias a jury pool if a trial were to proceed.
The courtroom scene and details of the case paint a somber picture of a tragic event that has left a community in shock. As the legal proceedings unfold, the quest for justice and closure for the loss of Winter Elizabeth Rose Acorn continues.
