Toddler death being treated as homicide, say RCMP

The death of a toddler from Peguis First Nation last week is being investigated as a homicide, Peguis RCMP said.

A 21-month-old girl was brought to a hospital in Hodgson, Man. around 3 p.m. last Thursday in medical distress and died later that evening from her injuries.

Peguis RCMP were contacted by the hospital and are now investigating the toddlers death as a homicide.

Chief Glenn Hudson of Peguis First Nation told CBC News the community is devastated over the death of the toddler.

"The news hadtravelled fast," said Hudson. "Alot of the people are shocked in terms of even justhaving a suspicious death let alone a homicide."

Hudson said the parents of the 21-month-old are grieving and still in shock.

"It's been difficult," said Hudson. "Certainly I know the family very well, and it came as a surprise to all of [us], to the community at large."

The name of the girl will not be released.

Peguis RCMP have not yet made any arrests in connection with the case.

The provincial government is now trying to determine if the child who was killed had any involvement with Child and Family Services.If there was any involvement, the Office of the Children's Advocate - an independent arm of the province - will conduct its own investigation.