Manslaughter trial looking into death of toddler resumes after lengthy adjournment

The trial of Meggin Van Hoof, accused in the death of toddler Nathaniel McLellan, resumed Wednesday, with testimony from a former Children’s Aid Society worker.

Since being adjourned in February, the trial looking into the death of 15-month-old Nathaniel McLellan resumed on Wednesday.

The trial heard from Rebecca Brown, who at the time was a caseworker with the Children’s Aid Society who interviewed both the child’s parents as well as the accused Meggin Van Hoof.

The toddler died from a head injury in October 2015 after being at a home daycare run by Van Hoof in Strathroy.

Brown told the court that the parents were desperately searching for answers surrounding their child’s death.

“They were concerned about what happened to their child,” she said.

Brown added, “They had questions about her [Van Hoof’s] actions and interactions.”

The accused has pled not guilty to one count of manslaughter.

Initially scheduled to last a month, the trial is now into it’s seventh week.

Testimony in the case resumes on Friday.