The Supreme Court of Canada says Tammy Bouvette must be acquitted in the drowning death of a toddler back in 2011.
Bouvette was charged with second-degree murder after 19-month-old Iyanna Teeple died in a bathtub while she was babysitting.
She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of criminal negligence causing death, but always maintained her innocence.
She was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and probation.
In 2021, an independent review of the case recommended that it be reviewed by an appeal court to determine if a miscarriage of justice had occurred.
In April 2023, the B.C. Court of Appeal found the Crown had failed to disclose pieces of evidence to the defence before Bouvette made her plea and therefore she could not make an informed decision.
The appeal court recommended acquittal and the Crown agreed.
The Supreme court allowed the appeal and determined an immediate acquittal is appropriate.
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