On October 29, 1993, Candace DaSilva, aged 20 months, was brought into the Emergency Room of Scarborough General Hospital by her mother, Rose Mary DaSilva and her step-father, Germaine Shawn Lindo (20 years-of-age at the time of this incident).
The child was suffering from scalding injuries to her lower body, and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital for Sick Children.
Despite medical intervention, Candace DaSilva was pronounced dead on November 26, 1993. An autopsy determined that the child died from multiple organ failure and sepsis related to scalding burns.
After the child’s admission to hospital, an investigation was commenced by the Catholic Children’s Aid Society, the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect team from the Hospital for Sick Children and the Homicide Squad.
The care-giver's explanation for the child’s condition was found to be inconsistent with her injuries. Medical opinion was sought and the injuries to Candace were determined to have resulted from forced immersion in scalding water.
Rose Mary DaSilva was arrested and charged with manslughter in the death of her child. On the October 25, 1994, an arrest warrant was obtained for Germaine Lindo on a charge of manslaughter.
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