'No evidence': Manslaughter charge withdrawn against man accused of killing toddler
Social Sharing
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Prolific B.C. drunk driver could face deportation after dozens of driving bans over 30 years
A driver who has racked up 32 driving prohibitions or suspensions, as well as 16 24-hour driving bans, failed to convince a British Columbia judge he should get a lighter sentence than normal for drunk driving because more than six months in jail could get him deported to India. Article content Vernon's Gurinder Pal Singh Bajwa, a permanent resident of Canada who escaped deportation in 2019 on an impaired driving conviction with a sentence of five months and 29 days, got a reduced sentence this time around because Mounties captured him on surveillance cameras using the toilet in a holding cell after he was arrested for impaired driving again on May 11, 2022, after rear-ending a white Hyundai Tucson with his Mercedes sport utility vehicle in the parking lot of a Wholesale Club. His blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. Article content Article content Article content But the judge refused to lighten Bajwa's sentence on convictions for impaired and prohibited driving to a level that wouldn't have immigration consequences for the 57-year-old. Any sentence over six months can result in deportation from Canada. Article content Article content 'To accede to Mr. Bajwa's request for a (conditional sentence) or a reduction of the jail time on either count for the impact of the collateral immigration consequences to Mr. Bajwa and as a remedy (for breaching his Charter right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure), would bring the administration of justice into disrepute and result in an inappropriate and artificial sentence; in other words, an unfit sentence,' Judge David Patterson of B.C.'s provincial court wrote in a recent decision. Article content Bajwa immigrated to Canada from India's Punjab region over 34 years ago. Article content 'He received his first British Columbia driving prohibition on March 19, 1993,' said the judge. 'He has also accumulated a substantial number of additional Criminal Code convictions and Motor Vehicle Act infractions.' Article content Article content The Crown recommended Bajwa get between nine and 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a five-year driving prohibition for the impaired driving charge, plus another four months behind bars for getting behind the wheel while he 'was subject to five separate driving prohibitions' or suspensions. Article content Article content 'I am flabbergasted that Crown counsel has only sought a four-month consecutive jail sentence (for driving while prohibited),' Patterson said in his decision dated June 2. 'Given the circumstances of the offence, it is hard to imagine a more suitable case for the two-year less-a-day maximum sentence allowed.' Article content Bajwa's lawyer argued for a conditional sentence or no more jail time than he got in 2019 — five months and 29 days behind bars. He noted that would allow Bajwa to remain in Canada. Article content The court heard Bajwa 'has no one in India' and that he's in the process of getting a divorce 'as his alcohol usage ruined his relationship with his estranged wife and his children,' said the judge, who noted they live in Canada.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Man in his 70s injured after being struck by vehicle in Scarborough
Police on scene at near Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue East after a man in his 70s was struck by a vehicle Friday June 6, 2025 (CP24 photo). A man in his 70s was rushed to hospital after reportedly being struck by a vehicle in Scarborough late Friday night, police say. The collision happened at around 9:47 p.m. near Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue East. The driver did remain on scene, according to officials. Paramedics say they transported the victim to a trauma centre where he is suffering from serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Eastbound Lawrence Avenue was closed at Markham Road but is expected to reopen shortly. Police are advising drivers to expect delays in the area.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Single-vehicle rollover closes southbound DVP lanes at York Mills
A Toronto Police Service logo patch is shown in Toronto, on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby Toronto police are investigating the scene of a crash after a vehicle reportedly rolled over shutting down a stretch of the DVP Friday night. In a post to social media, officials say they were called to the DVP at York Mills road just before 11 p.m. The male driver was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to investigators. The southbound DVP remains closed at York Mills as crews continue to investigate. All traffic is being diverted off at York Mills Road and drivers are advised to expect delays in the area. This is a developing news story, more details to come...
