Sheshatshiu father in court, accused in baby's death

A Sheshatshiu man accused of killing his infant son was returned to jail after a brief court appearance Thursday.

Thomas George Michel, 22, was charged earlier in the day with second-degree murder in the death of four-month-old Matthew Rich.

The baby was brought to the hospital in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Oct. 15 in serious condition, but died later the same day.

RCMP laid a single charge of second-degree murder Thursday morning, almost a month after the infant's death.

Cpl. Rick Mills says it was a complicated investigation.

"We're dealing with the death of an infant, and it became very complex," Mills said.

"Some of the evidence which we were waiting on was the results of the autopsy. And over the last month enough information was gathered which supports the charge of second-degree murder."

Michel didn't speak during his court appearance. He only nodded as an interpreter translated the proceedings into his native language of Innu-aimun.

About 20 people were in the courtroom for the brief appearance.

Michel spoke quietly with some of them as he was being led back to jail by police.

One woman broke down in tears.

Michel will remain in custody until his next court date on Dec. 20.