Warrants issued for arrest of missing mom heading to trial in death of toddler

A Calgary mother accused of causing the death of her toddler by failing to take him to a doctor is missing ahead of her trial and warrants have been issued for her arrest.

Jennifer Clark was ordered to show up at court Friday morning but did not. Her lawyer, Dale Fedorchuk, said he hasn't had contact with her in months.

• Trial delayed for parents accused of refusing to take dying toddler to doctor

Clark and her husband,Jeromie Clark, face charges offailing to provide the necessariesof life and criminal negligence causing death after their 14-month-old son, John, died from a staph infection and malnutrition in 2013. John Clarkwas born at home and had never been taken to see a doctor. He died theday after he was brought to hospital.

Before Justice Earl Wilson issued the warrants, he was told by prosecutor Shane Parker that police have made numerous attempts to locate Jennifer, who does not have a cellphone.

• Parents accused in toddler's starvation to face trial after failed adjournment bid

On one occasion, officers were told by Jeromie's parents that the couple was out of town, according to Parker.

Despite the couple trying numerous times to delay their trial, which is set for October, Fedorchuk told the judge he was worried about his client's health.

"I have grave concern for her health and welfare," said Fedorchuk.

• Jeromie and Jennifer Clark's trial for son's death delayed as they fire lawyer

Clarks tried to delay trial

Both husband and wife have caused delays over the years by firing their lawyers and hiring new ones. At times they have represented themselves.

In April 2017, Jennifer failed in her attempt to have her trial delayed because she wanted a new, female lawyer with experience representing people facing the same charges. Court of Queen's Bench Justice GlenPoelmanfound that demand "unreasonable," sayingshe had not acted "honestly."

At the time of the couple's arrest, police saidthe family followed a strict diet based on an extreme interpretation of the Seventh-day Adventist religion.

A three-week jury trial is set to begin Oct. 1, 2018.