Woman accused of child abandonment in Montreal to undergo further psychiatric assessment
A 34-year-old Montreal mother, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, is currently undergoing a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation at the Philippe-Pinel Psychiatric Institute in Montreal. The evaluation, initially scheduled for 30 days, has been extended for another 30 days due to its ongoing nature.
The mother is facing charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and unlawful abandonment of a child, following the alleged abandonment of her 3-year-old daughter near a major Ontario highway. The girl was reported missing on June 15, 2025, and was found alive and conscious on June 18 on the side of Highway 417 in Ontario near St. Albert. She was spotted by an Ontario Provincial Police drone.
The mother initially walked into a business in Coteau-du-Lac, Montérégie, stating she had lost her daughter. The girl's disappearance triggered a large search operation that lasted over 72 hours.
The court hearing regarding this case took place west of Montreal today, with Judge Mylène Grégoire presiding. The legal team consists of Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel and defence lawyer Olivier Beliveau.
The outcome of the psychiatric evaluation will determine the next legal steps, as stated by Crown prosecutor Marie-Ève Côté after the court granted the extension. The accused mother is expected to return to court on September 8, 2025, for further proceedings.
- The ongoing psychiatric evaluation of the Montreal mother, under court order at the Philippe-Pinel Psychiatric Institute, is focused on aspects of family-health, mental-health, and parenting, crucial for making decisions regarding her legal proceedings.
- Despite the lack of scientific evidence specifically related to news or health-and-wellness, the tragic story of the 34-year-old mother and the abandonment of her 3-year-old daughter has been featured in numerous news outlets, stirring public concern and discussion.
- In light of the court-ordered psychiatric evaluation and the ongoing legal proceedings, including Judge Mylène Grégoire, Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel, and defence lawyer Olivier Beliveau, it is essential for families to prioritize mental-health resources and support during challenging times, promoting a healthy and well-balanced environment for both the accused mother and her affected family members.
