A 17-year-old has been charged with attempted murder after an 8-year-old girl was found with critical injuries in Quadeville, Ont., on June 25.
Teen Charged in Shocking Quadeville Assault
A Village in Distress After Grisly Discovery
A 17-year-old male from eastern Ontario has been charged with attempted murder and sexual assault with a weapon following a violent attack on an 8-year-old girl in the rural village of Quadeville, Ont., provincial police confirmed Wednesday night. The girl, who had been missing for hours, was discovered with critical injuries in a forested area just after midnight on June 25.
Hours-Long Search Ends in Trauma
The incident began on the evening of June 24, when the young girl was reported missing around 9 p.m. Residents and emergency responders initiated a wide search. She was eventually located by community members in the woods behind Quadeville Road homes around 12:30 a.m. Initially, police suspected a wild animal attack, and she was rushed first to a local hospital in Barry’s Bay, then airlifted to CHEO in Ottawa.
Early Theories Dispelled by Forensic Analysis
In the days following the incident, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) worked closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and animal attack experts. However, recent forensic testing ruled out animal involvement. “Recent testing of samples taken from the victim’s wounds has now revealed no traces of animal DNA,” said OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson.
Legal Action and Court Appearance
On Tuesday, the 17-year-old suspect was formally charged and appeared in court for a bail hearing the following day. Due to his age, his identity cannot be made public under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The young girl remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Community Rattled by Ongoing Uncertainty
The incident has deeply shaken Quadeville, a quiet Ottawa Valley community located about 60 kilometres southwest of Renfrew. Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of information in the days after the attack, sparking widespread concern and speculation. In response, OPP has scheduled a public meeting for Saturday to address questions and ease tensions.
Support and Response Efforts Continue
Dozens of volunteers were involved in the initial search, highlighting the community’s close-knit spirit. Joseph Fiorentino, a local pastor, described the girl’s survival as miraculous, citing comments from medical staff. Authorities continue their investigation, urging the public to avoid spreading rumors and to wait for official updates.
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