Based on coverage from CBC, Global News, CP24, Winnipeg Free Press, and Winnipeg Free Press.
A six-year-old girl who died after being airlifted from The Pas to Winnipeg last fall was injured in an assault, Manitoba RCMP allege, and two of her caregivers now face criminal charges.
Mounties say they were first called on Oct. 29, 2024, after a caregiver brought the child to hospital in The Pas with serious injuries and bruising. Hospital staff were initially told the girl had fallen out of her bed. She died on Nov. 3, 2024, from a traumatic brain injury, police say.
The case is the latest serious-crime file in the province following breakthrough charges in the 2020 homicide of Melinda Lynxleg, where Manitoba RCMP also led a long-running investigation.
Manitoba RCMP allege assault before hospital visit
RCMP major crime services took over the investigation and concluded the child’s injuries did not come from a fall, according to police statements carried across multiple reports.
Instead, RCMP allege the girl was assaulted the day before she was taken to hospital. Police have not publicly detailed what evidence led them to that conclusion, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
Charges against The Pas caregivers
RCMP say Crown prosecutors authorized charges earlier this month. The two caregivers were arrested in The Pas on April 14, police said.
Ashley Morach, 39, is charged with:
- Manslaughter
- Failing to provide the necessities of life
- Two counts of obstructing justice
Joel Morach, 35, is charged with failing to provide the necessities of life.
Court records cited in one report say neither accused has previous criminal convictions in Manitoba. The same report says justice officials believe Ashley Morach attempted to obstruct justice over two date ranges: Oct. 29, 2024 to June 19, 2025, and Oct. 29, 2024 to Aug. 21, 2025. RCMP have not explained why there are two obstruction counts, though obstruction charges can include allegations such as lying to police or interfering with legal proceedings.
Foster care and Manitoba child welfare questions
RCMP have not described the relationship between the accused and the child. One report cites a government official saying the girl was a ward of Manitoba’s child-welfare system and was living in foster care.
Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, whose portfolio includes child welfare, said she is limited by legislation in what she can say publicly about the case while it is before the courts. Fontaine said every child death is referred to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY), which can review the case after criminal proceedings are finished. She also said the Families department may investigate the circumstances after the court process wraps up.
MACY spokeswoman Lindsay Ridgley said the office has been notified of the girl’s death but would not comment on any child-welfare involvement while the case is before the courts. Ridgley added that, generally, MACY can review public services provided in the 12 months before a child’s death if the child or family received reviewable services, including child welfare, youth justice, or youth mental health and addictions supports.
What happens next in the Manitoba case
Both accused are scheduled to appear in court this week, according to reporting.
RCMP declined an interview request but provided a statement describing child-death investigations as complex, time-consuming, and emotionally demanding for officers. Police said these files often require evidence from medical examiners, witnesses, and sometimes third-party agencies, followed by review with Crown prosecutors to determine whether charges are appropriate.
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