Another infant death investigation in Ontario prompts murder charge

Criminal charges have been laid in connection with the death of an infant in Ontario, provincial police say.

It’s at least the third time within the past week that police in the province have announced either an investigation into the death of an infant, or criminal charges in connection with an infant’s death.

Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday that two people were arrested in the 2022 death of an infant in Chamberlain Township in northern Ontario, which is north of Temiskaming Shores.

Police said that on Sept. 3, 2022 at around 4 p.m., officers responded to a call for assistance from paramedics regarding a three-month-old child who had no vital signs at a home on Chamberlain Road 5.

The baby was taken to hospital by paramedics and later pronounced dead.

Police said they conducted a “thorough investigation” and on Tuesday, two people were arrested and charged.

Jeffrey Doonan, 32, from King Kirkland was charged with second-degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

Michelle Doonan, 33, also from King Kirkland was charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

Further information about the case wasn’t released.

Murder charge laid in separate York Region case

Meanwhile, last week York Regional Police announced that an Ontario father had been charged with murder in the death of his seven-week-old infant.

In that case, police said that on Jan. 15 this year, officers were contacted by the York Children’s Aid Society about a child who had been taken to hospital in Toronto.

“The seven-week-old infant had significant injuries which could not be explained by their parents,” police said.

The baby died on Jan. 18.

York police said their homicide unit charged the infant’s father on Oct. 23 with second-degree murder.

Investigation into baby’s death in Innisfil

Additionally, on Tuesday, South Simcoe Police announced that they were investigating the death of a baby in Innisfil.

Police said that early on Friday, officers responded to a medical call at a home on Algonquin Avenue.

“The South Simcoe Police criminal investigation bureau is now investigating the incident as an infant death,” police said.

There is no risk to public safety and the scene has since been released, police said.

Police said an investigation is ongoing and it’s expected to be “lengthy.”

Officers didn’t provide further information.