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P.E.I. Baby's Death: No One Investigating?
31 Jan
Summary
- An infant's death on P.E.I. has no official investigation planned.
- The mother, struggling with mental health, was sentenced for infanticide.
- Coroner's offices in two provinces defer jurisdiction for inquiry.
A three-month-old infant, Winter Elizabeth Acorn, died in March 2025 on Prince Edward Island from complications of blunt-force head trauma inflicted by her mother, Cassie Acorn. Acorn, a single parent with a cognitive disability experiencing mental health challenges, struck her daughter when she would not stop crying.
Despite the tragedy occurring entirely on P.E.I., neither the P.E.I. nor the Nova Scotia coroner's offices have announced plans for an investigation or inquest. Officials cite jurisdictional complexities, with Nova Scotia being the primary investigative authority as the infant technically died off-Island after being airlifted for treatment.
Cassie Acorn was sentenced to one year in jail after pleading guilty to infanticide. Court heard about her struggles, including fear of child services and a pregnancy resulting from sexual assault. The P.E.I. Department of Social Services and Seniors stated they are cooperating with the Child and Youth Advocate.
Child and Youth Advocate Marvin Bernstein confirmed his office is reviewing Winter's death but has not yet decided if a full investigation is warranted. He has the power to order interviews and compel record production if an investigation proceeds, with findings and recommendations to be made public.
