Father accused of killing his toddler son granted bail

An Edmonton man charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 19-month-old son has been granted bail.

Joey Crier, 27, has been in custody for almost 17 months.

He was granted bail Wednesday byCourt of Queen's Bench Justice Brian Burrows.

The evidence presented at the hearing and the judge's reasons for his decision are subject to apublication ban.

• 'A terrible life, full of violence': Toddler died from head trauma, Edmonton police say
• Sister of accused killer noted bruising on toddler's face before his death

Crier, whohas no criminal record, has been ordered to live with his mother at Pigeon Lake, to surrender his passport, to abstain from drinkingalcohol or taking non-prescription drugs, and cannot be in thepresence of anyone under the age of 18.

Crier was not in the Edmonton courthouse for the bail decision.

"I am sure that he will be very happy with the decision," defence lawyer AmandaHart-Dowhunsaid. "It's been a long time [in custody]."

The bruised body of AnthonyRainewas found in April 2017 outside the Good Shepherd Anglican Church in north Edmonton.

At the time, police said they believed the little boy died from head trauma some time before his body was left there. He was not found untilthree days later.

Crier and his then-girlfriend, Tasha-Lee Mack, were arrested a few days later. In addition to second-degree murder, they also face charges of criminal negligence causing death and failure to provide the necessaries of life.

Mack was granted bail in June 2018. Crier applied for bail not long afterward.

A four-week trial for Crier and Mack is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2019.