Toronto Police say a 37-year-old Scarborough woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her almost two-year-old daughter on Tuesday morning at their home.
“At approximately 9:36 a.m., police were called to the area of Midland Ave. and Steeles Ave. East for a suspicious call,” Det. St. Henri Marsman told reporters at the scene on Wednesday afternoon. “When police arrived, they found a baby girl without vital signs. Life-saving measures were commenced and she was subsequently revived and taken to hospital. Tragically (Wednesday), she passed away.
“Through our investigation, we’re alleging this is a homicide,” Marsman added. “While we understand there may be significant interest in this case at this time, I won’t be speaking about motive. This is an ongoing investigation into an extremely tragic event.”
Charged is Si Ting Yang. The child has been identified as Oriana Cho, who was one month shy of her second birthday.
“It’s very difficult,” Marsman said. “It’s been hard for the first responders and the officers that first entered the house, as well as the paramedics, firefighters, all officers who have had contact with this case.”
Marsman said the call to police was made by the child’s father.
Cause of death is pending an autopsy.
“The father wasn’t home,” Marsman said. “He arrived home and police were already here.”
Marsman said the other child in the home is safe and “we have no concerns about the other child at this moment.”
Marsman wouldn’t comment on the accused’s mental health.
“We’re doing a thorough investigation into the background of this woman,” he said.
