Warning: The following news release contains information that may be disturbing to members of the public.
Beginning in March 2023, The Winnipeg Police Service’s Child Abuse Unit entered into an investigation regarding the sudden death of one-year-old Hanna BOULETTE.
On March 23, 2023, an adult male called 911 after his child had become unresponsive at their residence. Attending members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service administered CPR to the child before conveying her to hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Investigators arrested the parents for Criminal Negligence Causing Death. The adult male faced a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance after officers found a small quantity of fentanyl on his person at the time of his arrest. Both were subsequently released.
Through their investigation, investigators determined that both parents were not forthcoming with details of the incident and were present and had been aware of Hanna’s fentanyl exposure before later calling emergency. Autopsy and toxicology reports determined that Hanna’s death resulted from high levels of fentanyl intoxication.
The Child Abuse Unit consulted with Manitoba Prosecution Service which authorized the charge of Manslaughter against the parents.
On February 2, 2024, investigators arrested both parents at their residence in the first 100 block of McKenzie Street without incident.
Garry Daniel Adrian BRUCE, 38, and Sabrina Faye BOULETTE, 37, both of Winnipeg, are charged with Manslaughter and have been detained in custody.