Mother charged with 5-year-old son’s death in Coteau-du-Lac

The mother accused of first-degree murder in her 5-year-old son’s death in Coteau-du-Lac, about 55 kilometres west of Montreal, appeared in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield court on Friday via video conference.

The 29-year-old’s identity, and that of the victim, can now be revealed. A new decision was announced to lift a publication ban that was put in place Wednesday – when Karyne Légaré was charged with premeditated murder.

She is being held at a Laval detention centre, after having been hospitalized.

Emergency services services were called at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday to a home, where it’s reported the young woman lived with her parents and her young son – Tommy Pilon.

The boy was declared dead shortly afterwards. No details have been released as to the exact cause of death.

Police say two people inside the home were taken to hospital – including the suspect.

At this stage, no psychiatric evaluation has been requested by either side in court.

“What we consider, at this stage, is that she is fit [to stand trial],” Crown prosecutor Patrick Cardinal said.

Légaré’s is due back in court Oct. 11, where it’s expected she will be physically present.