Vigil lights support as baby remains in critical condition

By Lethbridge Herald on January 24, 2023.

A crowd hold candles and lights aloft during a vigil Monday evening at Henderson for a baby girl who remains in hospital in critical condition after police say they charged her parents in connection with sexual assault of the six-week-old infant. - Herald photo

Ry Clarke & Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Community members gathered for a vigil Monday evening at Henderson Park to show their support for a six-week-old baby girl currently in hospital receiving critical medical care. Coming together, the vigil hoped to show support for the child, letting her know she is not alone and loved by the community.

“We are coming here as one in solidarity,” said Kathleen Lacombe, one of the event organizers. “Showing love, showing support, and showing a connection. Letting everyone know that Lethbridge is a strong community and we are here together. We really care and the baby is not alone. We are here with whatever family baby does have, and we are here to support.”

Last week Lethbridge police charged a father and mother in connection with the assault and sexual assault of their six-week-old daughter. 

Officers were called to a northside home on Jan. 18, to check on the welfare of the infant after receiving information she was being abused. Upon arrival officers located the baby in medical distress, EMS transported her to hospital where her injuries were found to be extensive. 

Police say a 52-year-old man is charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, sexual interference and failing to provide the necessaries of life. A 31-year-old woman is charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.

On Monday, police released an update on the child’s status, saying she remains in critical condition at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary.

Organizers for the vigil were taking donations for the baby, hoping to be able to send hope, prayer, and resources. Understanding that those items will be needed when the child is out of emergency care.

“I was distraught. I honestly couldn’t sleep, I was sick to my stomach, I was crying, and honestly, I thought maybe there was something just wrong with me, because I couldn’t get this out of my head,” said Angela Piche, another of the organizers. “I thought, I just need to do something, I need to do something. I started messaging right there at three in the morning and that brought us to where we are.”

The vigil drew a sizeable crowd, all showing support with candles lit up, coming together to share prayer and words of healing for the baby. 

“It is really nice to see our community come together and be united, all our differences and everything aside for an important cause,” said Christabel Logan, a participant in the vigil. “I hope this shares a message, if you see something say something. Don’t wait until it is too late. Don’t be afraid to call somebody for help. The worst thing that is going to happen is they are going to find out it is not accurate. But in the meantime, if it is (true) you save a life way before it gets this bad.”

Another event is planned for  Wednesday morning outside of the Lethbridge courthouse to voice concerns about the possibility of the parents being allowed bail.

The event has gathered support from across the province with organizers saying people from Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer are planning to attend. 

One of the event organizers, Kathleen Lacombe, said she hopes for a massive turn out. 

“This affects many people, so lots of different people are organizing teams to show up and show support in different ways. It’s beautiful,” said Lacombe.  

She said people who want to give their support are welcome to do so peacefully and with calls to action, focusing on what they want to see done by the justice system instead of negativity towards the alleged perpetrators. 

Two organizations from Edmonton called Dads On Guard (D.O.G.) and Communities Against Child Sexual Offenders will be supporting the baby at the courthouse with megaphones, speakers, and signs, said founder Jack Shultz. 

“The reason why we are doing this, is to make enough noise on behalf of this child that the courts realize they should not give these guys bail and they need to keep them in there,” said Shultz. 

Another group that will be showing their support with members in attendance is Calgary’s Warriors Against Sexual Predators (W.A.S.P.).

Ry Clarke is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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