Parents facing homicide charges

The Calgary Police Service has arrested two people who are now facing charges following the death of their 15-year-old son.

At approximately 10 a.m., on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, police were called to a residence in the 100 block of Citadel Drive N.W., for reports of a deceased youth.

An autopsy was conducted on the 15-year-old boy on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, but further tests were required. It was later determined the immediate cause of death was a bacterial sepsis (Staphyloccus Aureus) from the complications of neglect and starvation, due to the Type 1 diabetes.

Police confirmed the victim had been diagnosed with diabetes several years earlier, prior to moving from British Columbia to Alberta. However, it is believed his parents failed to provide him the necessary treatment.

The teen’s health declined to the extent that he was confined to his room and subsequently died.

He was home-schooled and did not have a family doctor in Alberta.

Although the motive for not providing treatment is unknown, police do not believe it was based on religious beliefs.

A man and a woman were arrested earlier today, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Charges of first-degree murder are pending.

The names of the accused will not be released until they have seen a Justice of the Peace and the charges are formally laid, likely late this afternoon or evening.

At that point, the name of the victim will also be released.

The Calgary Police Service would like to thank the RCMP Surrey detachment for their assistance with this investigation.