Mother charged in disabled daughter's death

The mother of a severely disabled teen who claimed her daughter died during a home invasion last year has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death.

Police now say that Cindy Ann Sherry Ali lied to investigators when she told them a story of a break-in last year at her Malvern home.

Ali had alleged that her16-year-old daughter, Cynara, had collapsed and was found unconscious after two masked men invaded the house, apparently searching for a package. By the time the masked men left empty-handed, Ali said, her daughter had stopped breathing.

Thirteen months later, police said they have laid seven charges against the disabled girl's mother, including fabricating evidence and failure to provide the necessities of life.

"It was reported at that time that there was an alleged home invasion and two men entered into the home, and we're alleging that that information was false," Toronto police spokesperson Const. Wendy Drummond said.

Investigation 'puzzling'

The cause of the girl's death has still not been made public, though she was prone to seizures.

"It's quite complicated and the information determined through the post-mortem is going to be provided as evidence in court," Drummond said.

At the time of the investigation, Det.-Sgt. Frank Skubic told reporters the case "does seem puzzling" and described it as "a unique investigation."

Neighbours said they were surprised to hear of the charges against Ali.

"It seems like the mother was always taking care of the disabled daughter," one neighbour said. "It seems a little odd."

Ali, who has three other daughters with her husband, remains in custody after a brief court appearance on Friday.