A woman previously residing in Ottawa has been given a 10-year prison sentence, with credit for time served, after being found guilty of manslaughter in the tragic death of her five-year-old daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic peak. The case of Chloe Guan-Branch’s demise concluded a peculiar and sorrowful chapter in her life.
Chloe urgently required medical attention in the spring of 2020 when her bladder had ruptured, causing toxic leakage into her bloodstream. Despite her deteriorating health over six days, her mother Ada Guan and Guan’s partner Justin Cassie-Berube failed to seek medical help, fearing detection of the physical abuse Chloe suffered.
Chloe passed away alone in her room on May 15, 2020, amidst neglect and suffering, while Guan and Cassie-Berube were preoccupied elsewhere. Guan, aged 33, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, leading to her recent sentencing by Ottawa Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein.
The court heard that Cassie-Berube, Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, was convicted two years prior on multiple charges related to Chloe’s death and abuse. Guan and her lawyer reached a plea deal following Cassie-Berube’s sentencing, leading to Guan’s guilty plea to manslaughter.
During the sentencing process, emotional abuse and neglect by Guan and Cassie-Berube were highlighted, contributing to the tragic outcome. Both individuals faced severe consequences for their actions, with Guan expressing deep remorse for her inaction and negligence towards her daughter.
The court emphasized the gravity of the case, reflecting societal condemnation of neglectful behavior towards vulnerable children. Guan was given the opportunity to appeal the sentence within 30 days.
