Fatality inquiry for Calgary toddler hears injuries would have required 'additional force'

A fatality inquiry into the death of a Calgary toddlerheard expert testimony Monday that the 22-month-old died from multiple, blunt-force injuries.

MackenzyWoolfsmithdied in May 2012after suffering the injuries at a private Calgary day home.

The child's caregiver,CaitlynJarosz, was granted day parole late last year after pleading guilty to manslaughter in 2015 and receiving a 5-year sentence.

• Day home operator convicted in death of Calgary toddler granted day parole

Jaroszinitially told investigators the girl fell down the stairs and flipped through the air.

WhenJaroszpleaded guilty to manslaughter, instead of the initial charge of second-degree murder, Crown lawyer Shane Parker noted that she never explained how the toddler became so severely injured.

Calgary policeDet. MikeCavillastepped in as lead investigator in the case six months after the toddler died. He toldthe inquiry when he stepped in, the investigation had stalled because the medical examiner could not identify the manner of death.

Cavilla turned to an expert from Ottawa who determined the injuries were not the result of a fall down the stairs, but the result of inflicted non-accidental trauma.

Medical examiner Dr.BamideleAdeagbotold the inquiry Mondaythe girl suffered swelling of the brain, bruising on various parts of her body and a spinal cord injury.

Adeagbosaid the child's injuries were not consistent with a passive fall down stairs and would have required additional force.

Other children injured

The police investigation into the toddler's deathalso revealed three other children who attendedJarosz's day home had also been injured while in care injuries that included broken bones.

The discovery was made after police executed a search warrant on the day home and found a list of former clients. Police then contacted those families who informed police about the injuries to their children.

Cavillarevealed the theory of the Crown and police was the incident that led to Mackenzy's death happened during the changing of a diaper. Police found bloody towelettes in a bedroom hallway and bathroom, as well as a diaper.

Jaroszinitially clamed she had a nosebleed, but tests showed the blood on the towelettes belonged to the toddler.

When asked for his opinion, Cavillasaid he believed unlicensed dayhomes should not be allowed to operate. The detective expressed concern over a lack of checks and balances in place and said he would like to see better background checks for caregivers.

Parents participating in inquiry

Judge JoshuaHawkes, who is presiding over the inquiry,thanked Mackenzy's parents, Dan and Jennifer Woolfsmith, for taking part.

"You have been through a terrible tragedy," he said. "I'm grateful for your participation in this process."

Fatalityinquiriesin Alberta are presided over by a provincial court judge. They examinepreventable deathsor those that requiregreater public scrutiny or investigation.

The judge does not find fault but can issue recommendations to governments and institutions to prevent similar deaths in the future.

The inquiry is set to run until Feb. 9.

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