In a case that has disturbed even those chosen to investigate and prosecute it, a mother has been convicted for the unthinkable: killing her own daughter.
Xuan Peng, of Toronto, was found guilty of second-degree murder Saturday in the death of four-year-old Scarlett Chen.
"The jury found, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mrs. Peng was guilty of murder," said Toronto Police Det. Sgt. Ray Zarb.
On July 12, 2004, Peng was alone with her autistic child at the family's house in the Markham Rd. and Sheppard area. When her husband came home, he found little Scarlett unconscious in the bathtub.
The jury found that Peng drowned her daughter, despite claims she had an unspecified health issue that may have included treatment for bi-polar disorder. Peng maintains that she had put her daughter down for a nap, and that Scarlett later climbed into the full tub.
Peng, 36 years old, was charged seven months after the girl's death.
An Ontario Superior Court jury returned its verdict Saturday morning after two days of deliberations.
The sentence for second-degree murder is life in prison with no parole for at least 10 years.
"The prosecution is very happy with the verdict," insisted crown attorney Kim Motyl. "Unfortunately it's difficult to use the word happy because it's a very sad circumstance."
Peng's defence attorney wouldn't speak following the verdict, but was in tears at the decision, all the while maintaining the victim's death was merely a tragic accident. Peng will be sentenced on March 14 but the defence is asking she spend her time at a mental institution and not behind bars.
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