Alta. Day Home Trial Adjourned for Medical Proof

A second-degree murder trial for Kyra Renee Backs, a day home operator from High Prairie, Alberta, has been adjourned until November. The delay is due to the Crown's intention to present medical evidence related to the Oct. 6, 2022, death of a seven-month-old baby. Proceedings are expected to resume in either Edmonton or Peace River.

During recent court sessions, an officer testified about evidence collected from Backs' home, including the baby's clothing, DNA swabs, a high chair, a car seat, and a bassinet. Notably, the officer stated that DNA swabs taken from various locations were never submitted for testing. Backs reportedly provided written consent for the search and was described as co-operative and visibly upset on the day of the baby's death.

Testimony also included the baby's paternal grandmother, who described a close bond with the infant. Video evidence from a home security camera, used as a baby monitor, showed the baby with the grandmother and her daughters the previous day. The grandmother and her daughters testified that the baby appeared normal and showed no signs of injury, though a faint bruise on the baby's face was noticed by one sister, attributed to a fall.

The trial is awaiting the presentation of comprehensive medical evidence, which the Crown plans to introduce in November. The court is seeking to establish the cause and circumstances of the infant's death. The names of the baby and witnesses are protected by a publication ban.