Quadeville Community Grapples with Shocking Attack and Investigation

A 17-year-old, whose name is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, appeared briefly in a Pembroke court on Thursday. The individual is accused of attacking an eight-year-old girl in Quadeville, Ontario. The initial belief was that the girl's injuries were caused by an animal.

The accused faces charges of attempted murder and sexual assault with a weapon on a person under 16 years old. The accused's parents were also present in court, according to their lawyer, Marni Munsterman.

The incident has deeply affected the close-knit community of Quadeville, located approximately two hours west of Ottawa. The eight-year-old victim, whose identity is also protected by a publication ban, was reported missing on June 23 and found the following morning by a canine unit.

The victim sustained severe, life-threatening injuries. Initially, police believed the injuries were the result of an animal attack, and advised residents to keep children indoors or closely supervised. This theory was supported by forensic and wildlife experts. However, subsequent DNA analysis of samples taken from the victim's wounds revealed no animal DNA.

The community was shocked to learn that a 17-year-old was arrested on July 8 in connection with the attack. The OPP held a town hall meeting in Quadeville on July 12, where residents questioned police about the investigation and the initial assessment of an animal attack. Police stated they informed the town shortly after receiving the DNA results. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not confirmed whether other suspects are being considered.

Superintendent Derek Needham encouraged community members to support each other during this difficult time, emphasizing the need for community healing. The victim is described as an active and friendly girl.

A GoFundMe page was created to support the victim. Within a day, the page raised $5,500, and by Thursday, donations had exceeded $43,000. The accused is scheduled to return to court on August 21.