A 10-year-old Oshawa girl, deep asleep in the bedroom she shared with her little sister, woke up to the nightmare of her sister shrieking in pain Thursday morning. Looking across the room, the 10-year-old saw a woman slitting the child's throat with a knife.
Police have charged the mother of both girls with attempted murder.
The elder girl ran to her 6-year-old sister's aid. The woman ran outside as the older girl called an ambulance.
The 43-year-old also faces charges of possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and assault on the 10-year-old. Under the criminal code, a person can be assaulted if they are threatened or fear they will be struck.
The father of the two children was working at the time of the attack. Other relatives, who also live in the home near Simcoe St. N. and Taunton Rd. E., slept through it.
The 6-year-old suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and was released from hospital.
The woman cannot be identified to protect the identities of the children and a publication ban has been issued on evidence.
Friday, the small-framed woman appeared in Oshawa court, trembling throughout the hearing. As the judge read the girls' names, the woman began to sob. She is not permitted any contact with them.
"Right now, it's a very bad situation for us. Maybe we can say something later, but not right now," said one female relative.
Det. Terry Haight, with the Durham police homicide squad, said they would look for a psychiatric assessment. The bail hearing was adjourned until Monday.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call 1-888-579-1520.