A former resident of Ottawa who was convicted of manslaughter in the tragic death of her five-year-old daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, with credit for time served. This marks the culmination of the heart-wrenching story of Chloe Guan-Branch’s life.
Chloe urgently required medical attention in the spring of 2020 when her bladder ruptured in their Ottawa home, leading to a life-threatening situation. Despite her deteriorating condition and distressing symptoms, her mother, Ada Guan, and her boyfriend, Justin Cassie-Berube, failed to seek medical help for six days. Concerned about revealing the abuse inflicted by Cassie-Berube, they neglected Chloe’s deteriorating health, ultimately leading to her tragic death on May 15, 2020.
Ottawa Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein emphasized the gravity of the case, stating that the sentence should reflect society’s condemnation of such neglectful behavior towards a vulnerable child. Guan pleaded guilty to manslaughter and faced additional charges for failing to attend court, leading to her eventual arrest and imprisonment.
During sentencing, the prosecution and defense presented differing views on the appropriate sentence, with the Crown pushing for a longer term due to the prolonged suffering Chloe endured. Guan’s defense highlighted her history of emotional abuse and control in relationships, arguing for a more lenient sentence.
Cassie-Berube, Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, had been previously convicted and sentenced to 14 years for his role in the tragic events. Guan’s guilty plea to manslaughter resulted in the dropping of other charges against her. Testimonies during the trial underscored the impact of Chloe’s death on those who knew her, with neighbors expressing profound sorrow and regret over not being able to save her.
Guan expressed deep remorse for her inaction, acknowledging her failure to act and the tragic consequences. Justice London-Weinstein recognized the breach of trust Chloe had placed in her mother and the complex factors contributing to Guan’s actions.
As the sentence was delivered, Guan remained composed in the courtroom. She has the option to appeal the sentence within 30 days, which currently stands at approximately nine and a half years considering time served.