Kierra Elektra Star Williams's parents, stepsister face criminal charges

The mother, father and stepsister of a 21-month-old Manitoba girl have been charged in connection with her death.

The three adults were arrested and charged on Tuesday. All are from the Peguis First Nation, in the province's Interlake region.

• Toddler death being treated as homicide, say RCMP

The toddler,Kierra ElektraStar Williams,died shortly after being taken toPercy E. Moore Hospital in the community ofHodgson, just south of Peguis, in July 2014.

Officials have not revealed the cause of death.

Kierra's mother, Vanessa Bushie, 36, has been charged with second-degree murder and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

The girl's father, Daniel Williams, 33, and stepsisterJasmineBushie, 20, are charged with manslaughter and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

The Province of Manitoba is calling the little girl's death "shocking."

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the community," the statement from the province said.

The statement also said the death will be the subject of an internal review of events and circumstances leading up to it, and part of an investigation by the Office of the Children's Advocate.

"After the death of a child who was in care of, or received services from an agency under the CFS Act within one year prior to the death, the Childrens Advocate investigates the circumstances and the standards and quality of care provided by the agency and makes recommendations for ways to improve standards and services," it said.

The 21-month-oldhad been in CFS care.

The province closed the statement by saying the chief medical examiner reviews all child deaths and determines whether an inquest is the appropriate course of action.