The police and prosecution service are considering whether to upgrade charges against a woman accused of assaulting an infant in the NWT.
RCMP charged Margo Kataluk in June 2024 with aggravated assault of an infant and assault of a toddler.
Police said they began investigating after the territorial health authority reported in April 2024 that an infant had been admitted to Stanton Territorial Hospital with “life-altering injuries of a suspicious nature.” Police said at the time that the infant had been transported to Edmonton for further treatment.
RCMP allege that during their investigation, they learned Kataluk had also assaulted a toddler who sustained “less severe” injuries.
Kataluk subsequently pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault charge.
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While Kataluk was scheduled to be sentenced in March, court documents indicate the infant has since passed away.
RCMP are investigating the cause of death while the Crown is awaiting the outcome of a forensic pathologist’s report, which could result in additional charges.
RCMP told Cabin Radio in an email that the major crimes unit’s investigation into the matter is ongoing.
“The unit is assessing with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada if there are grounds to upgrade the charges,” the RCMP stated.
Kataluk is next expected to appear in NWT Supreme Court on July 6.
