Update: The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) has issued a notice stating that, with review of evidence obtained during the investigation and presented to the Crown, a collective decision was made to upgrade the charges against the accused. The charges against the co-accused have also been adjusted.
The accused, Joshua Thomas-Rowley, 32-year-old, male, of North Bay, has been charged with the following offences second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and assault causing bodily harm
The co-accused, Corrie-Ann Sale, 31-year-old, female, of North Bay, has also been charged with failure to Provide the Necessities of Life and manslaughter
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The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) has charged two individuals with manslaughter following a criminal investigation into the death of a three-month-old infant earlier this year.
Joshua Thomas-Rowley, 32, and Corrie-Ann Sale, 31, both of North Bay, were arrested and charged on Oct. 9.
Mr. Thomas-Rowley faces charges of Manslaughter, Failure to Provide the Necessities of Life, and Assault Causing Bodily Harm. Ms. Sale has been charged with the same offences.
The investigation began on January 13, 2025, after emergency services responded to a call in the Lavase Road area at approximately 10:47 a.m. District of Nipissing Paramedic Services and North Bay Fire & Emergency Services located an infant without vital signs.
The infant was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and succumbed to those injuries on January 19, 2025. The NBPS attended the scene on January 13 and initiated a criminal investigation.
According to the NBPS, the arrests were made as a result of the investigation and autopsy findings from the Eastern Ontario Regional Forensic Pathology Unit.
“These types of investigations involving very young children are among the most difficult our members can face,” says Inspector McFarlane. “I commend the dedication of all first responders who attended, as well as the service personnel and investigators who have worked on this case, demonstrating an extraordinary level of professionalism and compassion to bring this case before the justice system.”
The accused and co-accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information that may contribute to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable MacPherson of the NBPS CIS by email at mMacPherson@NorthBayPolice.on.ca or by phone at 705-497-5555, extension 7586. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call Victim Services Nipissing at 705-472-2649.
