Quebec mom faces 1st-degree murder charge Kathrine Dufresne, 53, makes surprise court appearance despite injuries

Quebec mom faces 1st-degree murder charge

Kathrine Dufresne, 53, makes surprise court appearance despite injuries

A western Quebec woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her seven-year-old daughter.

Kathrine Dufresne, 53, appeared dazed at a Gatineau, Que., courthouse around 2:30 p.m. Monday as charges were read. That was followed by an order from the court for Dufresne to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment.

The mother was not expected to appear due to the extent of her injuries sustained sometime Saturday.

Quebec provincial police say Murray Fitzpatrick arrived at his home Saturday in Chelsea, Que., just north of Gatineau, where he found his only daughter Sophie unconscious.

A western Quebec man returned to this home from a business trip Saturday to find his daughter unconscious and wife seriously injured.A western Quebec man returned to this home from a business trip Saturday to find his daughter unconscious and wife seriously injured. (CBC)

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.

Police said strangulation is a possible cause of Sophie's death, pending an autopsy. They would not confirm the mother’s injuries.

Father cleared in death

Over the weekend, Fitzpatrick was cleared of any involvement in his daughter's death. Provincial police also told Dufresne over the phone, while she lay in her hospital bed, she would be charged.

Neighbours told Radio-Canada the family is well known in the Chelsea area and involved in many community activities.

They also said Sophie was adopted five years ago from China, and added Dufresne was happy to have a daughter.

"I remember the day she got Sophie, she was so happy and proud," said Diane Villeneuve, who works at a local grocery store. "She came and showed Sophie to everyone. She did everything for Sophie, she was always with Sophie."

Outaouais police began the investigation but it has been taken over by provincial police.

Dufresne will next appear in court Nov. 24.