Edmonton police praise babysitter who reported townhouse child abuse case

Edmonton police are praising a 19-year-old woman who first reported child abuse in a northeast Edmonton townhouse in December.

Justice Taylor called police after she found two children with slashes and bruisesin a barricaded basement.

Two women, ages 23 and 24, were charged in December with attempted murder and other offences.

• DEC. 19:Edmonton mother, aunt accused of attempted murder of girl

"[The babysitter's] actions are to be commended and we are so grateful she did the right thing," Det. Aubrey Zalaski with the EPSChild Protection Unit said Wednesday.

• JAN. 23:Edmonton babysitter recounts 'horrifying' discovery of abused sistersin townhouse

This is the first time Edmonton police have spoken about the case, which CBCEdmontonfirst reportedin December.

According to Zalaski, police discovered the children in "a shocking environment and physical state."

He said the two sisters, who were admitted to hospital with serious injuries, are expected to make a full recovery.

The girls, along with three other children living in the home, have since been placed in foster care.

"All five children have been placed in safe environments and have received an immense amount of love and support from a variety of people," saidZalaski.

Social media concerns

Zalaskisaid police are concerned with online vitriol from people who are reading the details of the case.

"I want to caution the public about making assumptions from the details heard so far," he said.

"It's common to have feelings of shock and anger and while that's acceptable and it's normal, those feelings should not result in crime activity or retribution."

A defence lawyer for the two women is asking that their bail hearing be closed to the public, citing safety concerns for the accused.

• JAN. 15: Defence lawyer seeks closed bail hearing in Edmonton child abuse case

He wouldn't share details of the case to protect the integrity of the investigation, but said all five children are now in safe environments.

• JAN. 12: New details emerge in 'very disturbing' Edmonton child abuse case

"It's concerning, both as a detective and a human being," Zalaski said. "[But] at the end of the day, I have to do my part."

The 23-year-old woman is charged with:

• One count of attempted murder.
• One count of aggravated assault.
• Two counts of abandonment of a child.
• Five counts of unlawful confinement.
• Two counts of criminal negligence.
• Two counts of assault with a weapon.

The 24-year-old woman is charged with:

• One count of attempted murder.
• One count of aggravated assault.
• Two counts of abandonment of a child.
• Two counts of duty to provide necessaries of life.
• Five counts of unlawful confinement.
• Two counts of criminal negligence.

The women are in custody and are next scheduled to appear in court Thursday.