Police investigation questioned at manslaughter trial looking into the death of toddler

The father of a toddler who died after attending a home daycare admitted he had concerns about how police were handling the case. Nick Paparella reports.

For the fourth full day, Kent McLellan continued to be grilled by defence lawyer Geoff Snow under cross-examination.

The father of 15-month-old Nathaniel, who died in October of 2015 after being at the home daycare of Meggin Van Hoof in Strathroy, said, “Something happened at the babysitter’s ... I wanted Meggin Van Hoof investigated.”

McLellan said over time with no arrest being made, he had concerns about how police in Strathroy were handling the case.

Asked by Snow if he thought officers were protecting the accused, he said, “I knew that there were certain things that were being withheld.”

McLellan said at the time, “I said the word ‘fix.’”

After being rushed to hospital with a severe head injury, Nathaniel would be taken off of life support days later.

It would take years for investigators to eventually charge Van Hoof. She has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.

Asked if Van Hoof has ruined his life, McLellan responded, “It was very traumatic for us. We had a tragedy in our lives.”

The court has heard his testimony is expected to be wrapped up on Wednesday with new witnesses being called in the case.