By Canadian Press

Quebec woman charged with second-degree murder in two-year-old daughter’s death

Apr 27, 2018 | 8:27 AM

QUEBEC — A Quebec City mother was formally charged Friday with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of her two-year-old daughter, whose body was found in a garbage can.

Audrey Gagnon, 23, appeared briefly before a judge and was also charged with committing an indignity to a body in the slaying of Rosalie Gagnon.

The charges were added to the ones she was already facing — arson and obstructing the work of a police officer.

Prosecutor Melanie Dufour told reporters in Quebec City the case will return to court June 13.

“It’s a second-degree murder charge and I think it speaks for itself,” she said. 

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Most of the investigation is complete and the charges laid are in line with evidence the prosecution has received from police, Dufour added.

Police found the toddler’s body in a garbage can April 18 but the charges suggest the alleged crimes occurred a day earlier.

The investigation was triggered after the discovery of an empty stroller near a park and the mother was tracked down and arrested a few hours later.

The girl was pronounced dead in hospital and police said an autopsy performed later in the week indicated she had been stabbed to death.

A silent march was held Tuesday evening for the young girl.

Quebec’s minister for youth protection has also said she was seeking an inquiry into the girl’s death.

The Canadian Press