Parents charged in the death of a Calgary toddler

We can now confirm the identity of the individuals arrested in relation to the death of 18-month-old Gabriel SINCLAIR-PASQUA.

The parents of Gabriel, Michael SINCLAIR, 30, and Sonya PASQUA, 33, were arrested yesterday, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, and have each been charged with one count of manslaughter. They will next appear in court on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

Original release:

We have taken a man and woman into custody in relation to the 2021 death of a Calgary toddler.

At approximately 11:20 a.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, police and EMS were called to a residence located in the 2800 block of 14 Avenue S.E., for reports of an 18-month-old boy in medical distress. Upon arrival, the child was found unresponsive. Despite the best efforts of first responders, he was pronounced deceased on scene.

An autopsy was conducted by The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which identified the child as 18-month-old Gabriel SINCLAIR-PASQUA.

Since the child’s death, detectives have completed a lengthy and complex investigation, which involved speaking with witnesses, reviewing evidence and autopsy results, and determining the events leading up to his death. The death has since been declared a homicide.

As a result, today, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, a man and woman were taken into custody and charges are pending. No further details about their identities will be released until charges are formally laid.

“Investigating the death of a child is incredibly difficult on all first responders and police officers,” says Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta of the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “For the past 16 months, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for Gabriel’s death were held accountable. Our deepest condolences go out to those who continue to grieve Gabriel’s loss.”  

Case #21393922/3581