'No evidence': Manslaughter charge withdrawn against man accused of killing toddler
The lawyer for a Calgary man accused of killing a toddler says his client was "exonerated" Friday after the prosecution withdrew the manslaughter charge.
Winston Campbell, 46, was charged last year with manslaughter in the 2022 death of two-year-old Olivia Hayden. He had a casual relationship with Hayden's mother at the time of the girl's death.
Prosecutor Rose Greenwood and defence lawyer Cory Wilson appeared before Court of King's Bench Justice Eleanor Funk.
"The Crown is withdrawing this matter," said Greenwood.
Campbell 'fiercely fought' to prove innocence
Wilson said Campbell is "incredibly relieved," and expressed gratitude to Greenwood who he said "fully reviewed the file and withdrew the charge shortly after doing so."
"[Campbell] has maintained his innocence and fiercely fought to prove that he was not the one who caused this unimaginable tragedy," said Wilson in a written statement provided to CBC News.
"Not only was there no evidence he committed the offence, there was no evidence he even had contact with the child on the night of her death."
Wilson said his client "will be exploring his legal options to rectify the significant harm this process has caused him."
2 a.m. 911 call
In a statement provided to CBC News, Greenwood said the Crown has a "continuing obligation" to assess its case.
"Following the evidence heard at the preliminary hearing, the Crown has concluded it no longer has a reasonable likelihood of conviction in this case," said Greenwood.
Around 2 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2022, police and paramedics were called to a home in the southeast community of Midnapore after a 911 call was made about a toddler in medical distress.
After life-saving attempts by paramedics en route to hospital were unsuccessful, Hayden was declared dead.
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