News

A 48-year-old woman has been charged with the premeditated murder of her grandchildren.

Jane LaMarsh, of Wallaceburg in southwestern Ontario, is facing two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a deadly car crash last December.

The wreck claimed the lives of her grandchildren, Taiya Talbot, 6, and Tyler Bernard, 10.

They were killed Dec. 3 when the vehicle Ms. LaMarsh was driving plunged into the St. Clair River.

Sarnia police told a news conference Friday that Mr. LaMarsh also faces a charge of attempted murder in relation to her daughter Jennifer.

The 12-year-old was also in the vehicle when it crashed, but she was able to get out and make her way to shore.

“We have formed the grounds that will show that there was a premeditation in regards to this incident,” Sergeant Scott MacLean said at a news conference.

“Following just over three months of investigation, members of the criminal investigation division sought and were granted a warrant for the arrest of Jane LaMarsh.”

The victims' cousin, Jessica Vickerd, said the news has been tough for relatives to take.

“It's hard on the whole family,” she said in an e-mail. “There's not really much to say.”

Paul Wubben, director of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, said news of the arrest has yet to trickle down to students at St. Elizabeth School where the children attended.

“They will, of course, become aware over the course of the weekend,” he said.

“As a result, we will have in place for them, if needed, social workers, our elementary chaplaincy leader will be there and certainly for the staff we'll take similar steps.”

Mr. Wubben suggested the arrest doesn't come as a huge surprise as local media reports have alluded to the fact that homicide detectives were involved in the accident investigation.

Ms. LaMarsh was arrested Thursday and made a court appearance Friday. She was remanded into custody and will appear again Feb. 26.