On Wednesday, now the 21st day of the manslaughter trial into the death of 15-month-old Nathaniel McLellan, the court heard testimony from its third witness following the child’s parents on the stand. Emily Hendrikx testified that she ran Miss Emily’s Preschool in Strathroy and cared for the daughter of the accused, Meggin Van Hoof.
Hendrikx told the court that on Oct. 27, 2015, just hours before Nathaniel was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury, she saw Van Hoof holding the toddler while dropping off her own child at the preschool. Hendrikx said nothing about Nathaniel’s condition raised concern at the time. She later testified that Van Hoof contacted her days afterwards to say Nathaniel was in critical condition after collapsing while in her care. The court has heard that Nathaniel was taken off life support several days later. Van Hoof has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.
Written by: C. Soares