(CANADIAN PRESS) The wife of a Brampton, Ont., man who is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of his 10-year-old son has now been charged with manslaughter.
Nichelle Rowe Boothe, 28, was formally charged on Tuesday morning in connection with the death of Shakeil Boothe, her stepson.
The boy's father, Garfield Boothe, 31, was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder in his son's death and also faces one count of failing to provide the necessities of life.
Nichelle Boothe appeared in court on Tuesday. Her bail hearing is set for June 8 and she is prohibited from having contact with her husband.
Garfield Boothe also made a court appearance on Tuesday. He was not granted bail and his next scheduled court appearance is set for June 14 via video link.
The boy was found dead Friday in a house on Homeland Court, located in the Dixie Road and Howden Drive area of Brampton.
The investigation began Friday when police responded to a 911 call shortly after 5 p.m. and found the child unresponsive in the home.
The boy was declared dead at the scene. Police said an autopsy was conducted on Saturday. Results have not been released.
Police have been canvassing the neighbourhood where the couple lived as part of their investigation. The Boothes have an eight-month-old baby.
Staff at Hanover Public School, where Shakeil was a student, said the boy's father withdrew him from school in January.