SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD - A Montreal mother, aged 34, has been charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm after allegedly abandoning her three-year-old daughter in a field in Ontario last month. This serious accusation stems from an incident that took place in mid-June 2025, where the mother was reportedly unable to recall the previous six hours leading up to her daughter’s disappearance.
The mother appeared in court on July 3, 2025, for her bail hearing at the courthouse located in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, which is situated to the west of Montreal. During the hearing, she expressed her emotional distress, breaking down in tears as she listened to the testimony provided by a Quebec provincial police officer involved in the case.
Initially, the mother reported her daughter missing on June 15, prompting a search by local law enforcement. According to the information available, she claimed to have no recollection of the circumstances that led up to her daughter being alone in a rural area. This alarming situation raised concerns regarding the well-being of the child, leading to immediate investigation efforts by authorities.
Subsequently, on June 18, Ontario Provincial Police officers located the little girl alive and conscious near a highway. Their self-initiated search efforts resulted in a positive outcome, bringing relief amidst a concerning narrative of family distress and negligence. The discovery of the girl, who had been missing for several days, was a key turning point in the unfolding of this distressing story.
In addition to the charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, the mother faces a separate charge of unlawful abandonment of a child. The charges reflect the severity of the incident and underline the authorities' commitment to protecting the interests of vulnerable children.
The mother’s identity has been protected by a publication ban, which is a legal measure employed to safeguard the anonymity of the child involved in this case. This decision serves to protect the child’s privacy amidst the public scrutiny and media attention surrounding the situation.
This case has captured significant media attention not only due to the nature of the allegations but also the emotional depth tied to a mother-child relationship under extreme stress. The court hearings and subsequent legal proceedings will follow as the case develops, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the alleged abandonment.
As the legal process unfolds, there will be ongoing discussions regarding parental responsibilities, child protection laws, and the psychological implications for both the mother and the child involved in this tragic scenario. The community will be closely watching how this case progresses through the judicial system, as it raises essential questions about safety, responsibility, and the complexities of familial relationships in distressing situations.
