Manitoba Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Six-Year-Old Girl Following 2024 Investigation
A Manitoba woman and her partner face serious charges, including manslaughter and failure to provide necessities of life, following the death of a six-year-old girl in The Pas in 2024. Police allege the child’s fatal injuries were the result of an assault, not an accidental fall.
Rochelle Silver
A deeply concerning investigation in northern Manitoba has led to serious criminal charges in connection with the death of a six-year-old girl who died in late 2024 after suffering catastrophic injuries while in the care of two adults.
The case originates from The Pas, where a 39-year-old woman has now been charged with manslaughter, failing to provide the necessities of life, and obstructing justice. Her 35-year-old partner is also facing a charge of failing to provide the necessities of life. The allegations against both individuals have not been proven in court.
According to investigators from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the six-year-old girl was first taken to hospital on October 29, 2024, after being found with severe injuries and visible bruising. At the time, it was initially reported that the child had fallen from her bed. Due to the seriousness of her condition, she was airlifted to a hospital in Winnipeg for emergency treatment.
Despite medical intervention, the child sadly passed away on November 3, 2024. Medical reports indicated that she had suffered a traumatic brain injury, which ultimately proved fatal.
As the investigation progressed, RCMP officials determined that the injuries were unlikely to have been caused by an accidental fall. Instead, they allege the injuries were consistent with an assault that occurred the day before the child was brought to hospital. This updated understanding of events led to the recent arrests of Ashley and Joel Morach in The Pas.
Authorities have emphasized that the charges reflect the findings of an ongoing investigation and that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case has deeply impacted the local community in northern Manitoba, raising broader concerns about child safety, caregiving responsibilities, and the systems in place to protect vulnerable children.
Investigators continue to gather evidence as the legal process moves forward. No further details have been released at this time.
