(A makeshift memorial at the scene where the body of 19-month old Anthony Raine was found in Edmonton. Photo: Brandi Morin/APTN)
Brandi Morin
APTN National News
The 19-month old boy found dead outside an Edmonton church lived a sad life filled with violence but social services were never involved in the child’s life.
“He was living a terrible life full of violence and one that is terribly sad,” said Staff Sergeant Dwayne Hunter of the Edmonton Police Service Monday at a news conference. “And one you don’t even want to speak about. Bruises all over his body and I’ll leave it at that.”
Hunter said that Anthony Joseph Raine died of head trauma and that the marks on his body will be considered evidence.
“He suffered a lot of trauma,” said Hunter.
At 2 pm on Friday, a passerby discovered the body of the boy outside the Good Shepherd Anglican church.
The boy had been there for three days, clothed and with a blanket but was dead when he was found.
Hunter said the boy was likely left at the church between 10:51 and 11:51 on April 18.
Edmonton police (EPS) have charged the boy’s father, Joseph (Joey) Crier, 26, and his girlfriend Tasha Mack, 25 with second-degree murder along with criminal negligence causing death, assault and failure to provide the necessities of life.
Crier also faces a count of assault causing bodily harm.
On Friday evening police released photos of the clothes the infant was wearing in an effort to identify him.
Then on Saturday, police released an image to try and identify two persons of interest.
By Saturday evening police arrested Crier and Mack.
Raine’s mother is from the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis and was notified by police about the death of her son on Saturday evening.
Raine’s aunt’s started a memorial page on Facebook where thousands of people have joined posting messages of support for the Raine family.
The aunt’s also created a Go Fund Me campaign to help with costs of the funeral. The post reads that Raine was not yet registered with Louis Bull Band and did not qualify for financial help with the funeral. As of Monday morning, almost $7,000 has been raised.
Both of the accused are in custody at the Edmonton Remand Centre.
bmorin@aptn.ca
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