B.C. babysitter must be acquitted in toddler’s 2011 drowning death, Supreme Court rules

The Supreme Court of Canada has made a landmark decision, ruling that Tammy Marion Bouvette, who was convicted in the 2011 drowning death of a toddler in her care, must be acquitted. Bouvette was babysitting 19-month-old Iyanna Teeple in Cranbrook, B.C., when the tragic incident occurred. Despite initially being charged with second-degree murder, Bouvette later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of criminal negligence and was sentenced to 12 months in jail.

However, an independent review of the case revealed that crucial evidence had not been disclosed to Bouvette or her counsel before she entered her guilty plea. This led to the B.C. Court of Appeal quashing her conviction in 2023 and ordering a stay of proceedings, though they did not enter an acquittal at that time. Bouvette appealed this decision, ultimately leading to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada.

The case gained widespread attention after an investigation by CBC’s The Fifth Estate in 2020 uncovered a report criticizing the pathology evidence used in the Crown’s case against Bouvette. Bouvette has consistently maintained her innocence, stating that she did not harm the child and only pleaded guilty to avoid a harsher sentence for a murder charge.

The Supreme Court’s decision to acquit Bouvette was based on the grounds that the Crown had also sought an acquittal and indicated they would not present any evidence at a new trial. The judges unanimously agreed that an acquittal was warranted, citing the lack of evidence to support a conviction and the devastating impact the false guilty plea had on Bouvette’s life.

Justice Nicholas Kasirer, writing for the majority, emphasized that the circumstances of the case favored an acquittal, considering Bouvette had already served her sentence and the victim’s family supported the decision. The ruling highlights the importance of fairness and transparency in the legal process, ensuring that justice is served.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to acquit Tammy Marion Bouvette marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and highlights the importance of upholding the principles of due process and fairness in our legal system. Bouvette expressed relief and hope for closure, emphasizing the need to move forward with her life and put the ordeal behind her.