Police lay charges in death of child

The Calgary Police Service has charged a woman in connection with the death of a child that occurred at an unlicensed day home in Silverado last November.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, police were called to a residence in the 0-100 block of Silverado Ridge S.W., for a report of an infant not breathing. The child was transported to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The Homicide Unit launched an investigation into the death and have determined the death was criminal in nature.

The victim has been identified as 18-month-old Ceira Lynn McGRATH, of Calgary.

Elmarie SIMONS, 57, of Calgary, is charged with one count of criminal negligence causing death.

It is believed that the victim was in the care of SIMONS at the time of the incident.

The investigation into Ceira’s death is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or the Homicide Unit Tip Line at 403-428-8877. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Case # 15481589