Woman charged after grandchildren drowned

SARNIA—A southwestern Ontario woman has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her grandchildren.

Sarnia police told a news conference Friday that Jane LaMarsh, 48, also faces a charge of attempted murder in relation to her daughter.

She was arrested on Thursday afternoon.

Police have been investigating since a car plunged into the St. Clair River on Dec. 3.
LaMarsh, of Wallaceburg, Ont., and her 12-year-old daughter, Jennifer LaMarsh, managed to get out of the vehicle and make it to shore.

The grandchildren, six-year-old Taiya Talbot and 10-year-old Tyler Bernard, died in the submerged vehicle.

“We have formed the grounds that will show that there was a premeditation in regards to this incident,” said Sgt. Scott MacLean.

“Following just over three months of investigation, members of the criminal investigation division sought and were granted a warrant for the arrest of Jane LaMarsh.”

St. Clair Catholic District School Board director Paul Wubben said news of the arrest has yet to trickle down to students at St. Elizabeth School where the children attended.

“They will, of course, become aware over the course of the weekend,” he said.

“As a result, we will have in place for them, if needed, social workers, our elementary chaplaincy leader will be there and certainly for the staff we'll take similar steps.”

Wubben suggested the arrest doesn't come as a huge surprise as local media reports have alluded to the fact that homicide detectives were involved in the accident investigation.
LaMarsh made a court appearance Friday. She was remanded into custody and will appear again Feb. 26.


http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/764564--woman-charged-after-grandchildren-drowned?bn=1