Every Bit of Ink

Mother charged in infant son’s death

18 Months Old

Catherine McDonald and Cassandra Jowett, National Post and Global News
Published: Saturday, March 28, 2009

A 34-year-old mother was charged with first-degree murder yesterday in the slaying of her 18-month-old son, whose body was found in the passenger seat of a vehicle inside a Mississauga parking garage.

The news stunned neighbours, who described Nadine Bernard as a “good mother” who recently returned from a March Break trip to Jamaica with family.

Peel Regional Police were called at about 8 a. m. to the Mississauga Executive Centre’s underground lot, about a block from the Square One shopping mall in the city’s core. They discovered the infant’s body with his mother, Ms. Bernard, nearby.

Authorities allege Ms. Bernard, of Bolton, murdered her child before attempting suicide. The horrific case was the result of a “domestic situation,” according to Constable Wayne Patterson.

“Obviously, this has been a very trying time for the family,” he said.

Neighbours on Ms. Bernard’s street in Bolton said the young mother was involved in a custody battle with the toddler’s estranged father, who was being interviewed by police.

Police were not releasing information about the manner of the child’s death or the method by which his mother allegedly tried to commit suicide, noting the incident was before the courts.

Ms. Bernard, who worked in the executive centre, has two other children, but both have been found safe, police said.

The 34-year-old was taken to hospital before being arrested. She appeared briefly in court yesterday and was remanded into custody.

Meanwhile, homicide investigators continued to probe the scene at 1 Robert Speck Parkway to process evidence and interview witnesses, Const. Patterson said. The vehicle was towed from the lot covered in a white tarp.

Authorities were also analyzing security camera footage and information captured by the electronic entry system, which would have been used by the driver of the vehicle to enter the parking garage.

Friends and neighbours reported shock and disbelief after learning of the charges against the young mother.

Anita Taglione remembered the woman’s son, identified as Jayden, as a “cute little boy.” Neighbours say Ms. Bernard also lived with her parents and two children from a previous relationship, aged 12 and 14. Both were reportedly staying with family.

“This is inconceivable,” Ms. Taglione said. “She was a good mother.”