B.C. Mother Sentenced to 4½ Years in Prison Over Death of 18-Month-Old

A 44-year-old British Columbia woman has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison following the death of her 18-month-old child.

The toddler died in New Westminster, B.C., in July 2021, according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

Investigators Worked to Determine What Happened

The homicide team said investigators worked extensively to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

The child’s mother, Karma Dyck, was charged in February 2023 with manslaughter, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

Dyck pleaded guilty to manslaughter in April and was sentenced in British Columbia Supreme Court on Monday.

Child Death Investigations Often Present Challenges

IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong said cases involving the deaths of children can be particularly difficult to investigate because the incidents often take place in private settings with few or no independent witnesses.

These circumstances can make it challenging for prosecutors to prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Investigators must therefore collect different forms of supporting evidence to establish what occurred.

Fong said that although the tragedy cannot be reversed, determining the truth can provide answers to those affected and help authorities learn lessons that may prevent similar incidents in the future.

Karma Dyck will serve a 4½-year prison sentence after admitting responsibility for manslaughter in the 2021 death of her toddler. Investigators said the case highlights the complexity of gathering evidence when the death of a child occurs in a private setting.