Two People Charged in Infant Death Investigation
The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) has made two arrests in connection with an extensive investigation following the death of an infant
On January 13, 2025, at approximately 10:47 a.m., District of Nipissing Paramedic Services and North Bay Fire & Emergency Services responded to a call in the Lavase Road area. Upon arrival, paramedics located a three-month-old infant who was initially without vital signs. The infant was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and, on January 19, succumbed to those injuries.
NBPS was also called to attend on January 13 and subsequently launched a criminal investigation into the matter. As a result of the investigation and autopsy findings from the Eastern Ontario Regional Forensic Pathology Unit, the accused and co-accused were arrested and charged on October 9, 2025.
“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 NBPS would like to thank District of Nipissing Paramedic Services, North Bay Fire & Emergency Services, North Bay Regional Health Centre, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Parry Sound–Nipissing Children’s Aid Society, and Office of the Chief Coroner for their dedicated efforts and assistance throughout the investigation.
The accused, Joshua Thomas-Rowley, 32-year-old, male, of North Bay, has been charged with the following offences:
- Manslaughter
- Failure to Provide the Necessities of Life
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm
The co-accused, Corrie-Ann Sale, 31-year-old, female, of North Bay, has also been charged with the following offences:
- Manslaughter
- Failure to Provide the Necessities of Life
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm
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.
