A judge's decision to stay charges against a driver involved in the death of a nine-year-old girl has sparked widespread public outrage, with supporters of the victim taking to social media to demand justice.
The case involved Taylor Kennedy, who was charged with impaired driving exceeding the legal blood-drug concentration of THC, resulting in the death of Baeleigh Maurice. The incident occurred on September 9, 2021, when Maurice was struck by Kennedy's truck while crossing 33rd Street West in a marked crosswalk on her way to school.
On Friday, a provincial court judge ruled that the case had not been resolved within the 18-month timeframe required by Canadian court rules. Judge Jane Wootten noted that approximately 24 months had passed since the charges were laid, exceeding the acceptable delay for resolution.
The decision has prompted a wave of protests and calls for justice on social media, with many expressing frustration and disappointment over the outcome. Supporters have organized gatherings to raise awareness and honour Baeleigh’s memory.
Legal experts indicate that the Crown has 30 days to appeal the ruling. An appeal would require demonstrating either exceptional circumstances or the complexity of the case as justifications for the delay. During the court hearing, the prosecution argued that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the backlog of cases, but Wootten determined that the delays were not attributable to a specific, unavoidable factor.
Public Prosecutions is currently reviewing the decision to assess whether there are grounds to file an appeal. Meanwhile, Baeleigh Maurice's family continues to mourn her loss and advocate for justice in her memory.