Judge rules past events inadmissible as evidence in trial for Regina mother accused of killing son
A judge has ruled that events leading up to the death of Chelsea Whitby’s 18-month-old son will not be admissible as evidence.
Whitby is charged with second-degree murder in the death of her son, who died from blunt force head trauma on June 10, 2020.
The Crown had put forward a case attempting to show a pattern of abuse between Whitby and her son, and that Chelsea was “wildly inattentive to” Emerson’s care, according to the Crown brief.
In April, the majority of Crown witnesses’ testimonies focused on prior injuries that Emerson sustained while in his mother’s care from mid-April to late May of 2020.
Those testimonies were submitted as evidence on a voir dire, which meant a separate hearing must be held to determine if the evidence is admissible and can be entered as evidence for the trial.
The defense had argued the Crown’s case was “complicated” and the evidence that references past injuries should not be admissible.
This week, a judge ruled that prior injuries leading to the infant’s death, as well as some character evidence, including testimony from Whitby’s boyfriend, would not be admissible evidence.
“The evidence is not reliable,” read the court decision. “The evidence because of its weakness and unreliability does not provide real insight into the relationship of Chelsea and Emerson and does not genuinely help establish a motive.”
The trial is expected to continue on June 20.
- With files from Allison Bamford
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.