Charges against dead toddler's stepsister dropped

Charges against Jasmine Bushie, 22, the stepsister of a toddlerwho died in 2014, have been dropped.

Bushiehad been accused ofmanslaughter and failing to provide the necessaries of life in connection with Kierra Elektra Star Williams's death.

Both charges were stayed on Monday. The Crown has the option of re-laying them within the next year.

The 22-year-old's stepfather,Daniel Williams, continues to face charges of manslaughter and failing to provide the necessaries of life, and her mother, VanessaBushie,continues to face charges of second-degree murder and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

Their 21-month-old, who was at some time inthe care of CFS,died in July2014, shortly after being taken to hospital in Hodgson, Man., just south of Peguis First Nation, where the family lived.

Kierrawas in medical distress when she wastaken toPercy E. Moore Hospital.

A statement the province issued after her death described itas "shocking."

No cause of death has yet been released.

• Kierra Elektra Star Williams's parents, stepsister face criminal charges
• Peguis First Nation toddler who died had been in CFS care