A Montreal mother has been charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm and unlawful abandonment of a child after her three-year-old daughter went missing for over 72 hours and was found alive along a highway in Ontario. The incident began on June 15, 2025, when the mother reported her daughter missing near Montreal, claiming memory loss about the whereabouts of her child. Following an extensive multi-jurisdictional search, the child was located dehydrated but alive on June 18. The mother faces serious legal proceedings, including ongoing bail hearings, as authorities continue to investigate the case under a publication ban designed to protect the identities involved.
Details of the Disappearance and Search Efforts
The incident began on June 15, 2025, when the mother reported her three-year-old daughter missing near Montreal. According to the mother’s initial statement, she experienced memory loss regarding the child’s whereabouts, which prompted immediate concern from law enforcement. A widespread search involving multiple police jurisdictions was launched, spanning areas between Montreal and Ontario, particularly focusing on highways and rural regions.
Over the next 72 hours, authorities coordinated efforts that included ground searches, aerial reconnaissance, and the involvement of search-and-rescue teams. Public appeals were also issued to gather information from motorists and residents along the affected routes.
Discovery of the Child and Condition
On June 18, the child was found alive along a highway in Ontario by a passing motorist who notified local police. Despite being dehydrated, the child did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate care, and the child was subsequently transferred to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following the discovery, the Montreal mother was taken into custody and formally charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm and unlawful abandonment of a child. These charges reflect the severity of leaving a young child unattended in potentially hazardous circumstances for an extended period.
The mother is currently undergoing bail hearings as part of the judicial process. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, scrutinizing events leading up to the disappearance and the mother’s actions during the 72-hour period.
Privacy Measures and Publication Ban
A publication ban has been enacted to protect the identities of those involved in the case, particularly the child, in accordance with legal provisions safeguarding minors in sensitive situations. This ban restricts media reporting to ensure privacy and prevent further distress to the affected family.
Context and Ongoing Implications
- The incident has raised concerns regarding child safety and parental responsibility within the community.
- Law enforcement agencies continue their inquiry, aiming to clarify all circumstances surrounding the disappearance and ensure accountability.
- Support services have been mobilized to assist the child and family through medical, psychological, and social services.
- Updates to the public and further legal developments will be provided as the case progresses and more information becomes available.
The case of the missing three-year-old girl who was found alive after over 72 hours underscores significant concerns about child safety and parental responsibility. While the child has now been secured and is receiving necessary care, the legal proceedings against the mother highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation. The ongoing investigation and court hearings will continue to shed light on the events that led to the child’s disappearance. Meanwhile, privacy protections remain in place to safeguard the identities involved. This incident serves as a reminder of the vital importance of vigilance and community involvement in protecting vulnerable individuals, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold.