The case of Karyne Légaré, the Coteau-du-Lac mother accused of the premeditated murder of her 5-year-old child, returned to court on Tuesday, December 17, at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield courthouse. The accused, who has been detained at the Leclerc Penitentiary in Laval since her arrest, did not attend the hearing before Judge Joey Dubois.

The 29-year-old mother, whose identity can now be revealed following the lifting of a publication ban, is represented by attorney Olivier Béliveau. The alleged incident took place in a residence on Chemin du Fleuve in Coteau-du-Lac on September 18. Following the crime, two individuals, including the accused, were at the scene and were transported to a hospital. It was reported that the mother had attempted to end her own life after the discovery of the child’s body.

The accused is now allowed to contact her parents and two sisters, but she is still prohibited from contacting her ex-partner, the father of the young victim.

Members of the Légaré family and the victim's father's family attended the brief court hearing via videoconference.

“From our side, there are only a few elements left to disclose to the defense. We will send them the pathologist's report in the coming weeks. We are ready this morning to proceed with the preliminary inquiry in this case, but I understand my counterpart wants to address the issue of the accused’s bail before moving to that stage. I therefore request an adjournment until January 28,” said prosecutor Patrick Cardinal to the judge.

The accused will be required to appear via videoconference for her next court appearance.