Overview

• The 17-year-old appeared in Pembroke court today where his case was adjourned to August 21 under Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• He remains in custody on charges of attempted murder and sexual assault with a weapon after forensic tests ruled out an animal attack.
• Ontario Provincial Police faced criticism for delaying the search for the girl after she was reported missing and for initially warning of an animal threat before identifying a human suspect.
• The eight-year-old victim is in stable condition at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and is showing signs of improvement during a lengthy recovery.
• Local residents and the Pentecostal church have organized fundraisers and counselling services to support the girl’s family and rebuild community trust.