Winnipeg Mom Guilty in Baby's Meth Death

A Winnipeg mother, Alison Muise, 42, was convicted on Wednesday of failing to provide the necessaries of life after her three-month-old daughter, Layla Mattern-Muise, died in February 2022. The infant had methamphetamine in her bloodstream, though a conclusive cause of death was not determined. Muise's partner, Christopher Mattern, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and received a sentence of 21 months time served.

Provincial court Judge Michelle Bright found Muise's testimony that she was unaware of meth use in her home to be unbelievable. The judge cited the home's "chaotic state" with drug paraphernalia found "throughout all floors," including pipes and loose cannabis. Three baby bottles found in the residence also tested positive for methamphetamine.

The judge stated that the home presented "a significant risk of danger" which was "objectively foreseeable." Evidence of "regular and ongoing use of drugs" and the presence of meth on items used for feeding the infant demonstrated a "failure to protect Layla." Muise's defense team has ordered a pre-sentence report, due in May.

During the trial, court heard from David Schindel, a friend who lived in the home and testified to using meth daily. Schindel stated he called 911 when Layla was unresponsive. He suggested Muise was likely aware of, and possibly involved in, drug use. The judge described Muise's accounts as inconsistent with the scene investigation and an attempt to "deflect or avoid."