Chelsea mom charged with killing daughter to stand trial

A western Quebec woman charged with first-degree murder in the death of her seven-year-old daughter, has been found fit to stand trial.

Kathrine Dufresne, 53, appeared in court Monday morning, where the results of a 30-day psychiatric evaluation were presented.

Dufresne will be in a detention centre in Montreal while awaiting trial. The psychiatric assessment recommended her condition be regularly monitored.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 28

Father cleared

Murray Fitzpatrick arrived at his home Oct. 22 last year in Chelsea, Que., just north of Gatineau, Quebec provincial police said, where he found his only daughter Sophie unconscious.

He also found his wife, Dufresne, seriously injured and called 911. Both were taken to hospital where the girl was pronounced dead. The mother survived.

Fitzpatrick was cleared of any involvement in his daughter's death.

The death was a shock to the community, many of whom said the family was well known in the Chelsea area and were involved in many community activities.

Neighbours said the family also appeared happy after they adopted Sophie from China five years ago.