A 15-year-old Calgary boy who was originally accused of assaulting his grandmother saw his charges upgraded Wednesday to second-degree murder, two weeks after the woman died from her injuries.
A publication ban under the Youth Criminal Justice Act protects the boy’s identity. Because they are related, the victim, who was in her 50s, cannot be named either.
The teen appeared over CCTV in a youth courtroom Wednesday. He is currently being held at a forensic psychiatric hospital.
Prosecutor Tara Wells and defence lawyer Robin McIntyre appeared in youth court on Wednesday as Wells formally upgraded the aggravated assault charge to second-degree murder.
Victim attacked in home
The woman was assaulted in her home in the northeast community of Pineridge on March 29.
Police were called to the home for reports of an altercation. When officers arrived, they found the victim in medical distress. She was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition.
Two days later, police announced the woman had died from her injuries.
The 15-year-old has three other matters before the courts including charges that allege he failed to show up for fingerprinting, break and enter, and possessing child exploitation material.
A child and family services worker was in court to support the boy.
The case will be back in court later this month.