Crown lawyer Lili Prévost-Gravel spoke to reporters on Wednesday after the court hearing for Rachel-Ella Todd, the mother of the missing three-year-old girl who was found that same day. The Canadian Press
A three-year-old girl from Montreal, missing since Sunday, was found alive in eastern Ontario on Wednesday afternoon. This happened just minutes after her mother appeared in court, charged with child abandonment.
Child Found Near St. Albert, Ontario
Police announced the girl was found near Highway 417, close to St. Albert, Ontario, at about 3 p.m. She was alone but conscious and able to speak with officers. Medical teams checked her and confirmed she is doing well, said OPP Staff Sergeant Shaun Cameron.
Ontario police used a drone to help find the girl. They had reports that she and her mother, Rachel-Ella Todd, 34, were seen Sunday in nearby Casselman, Ontario. Officers followed the drone’s signals and found the child shortly after.
Massive Search Effort
Since Sunday, about 150 officers from Sûreté du Québec, along with trained volunteers, searched the Montérégie region. This is near where Todd had gone into a souvenir store Sunday afternoon and told staff she lost her daughter. Staff Sgt. Cameron said, “This is why we become police,” highlighting the dedication of the search teams.
Questions Remain
Police have not shared many details about the circumstances of the girl’s disappearance or how long she might have been alone. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have declined to comment further.
Mother in Custody
Todd stayed in custody after her court appearance in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec. She wore a purple T-shirt and had handcuffs on both hands and feet. She was arrested Monday and charged with unlawful abandonment of a child.
Prosecutors oppose her release, saying she poses a public danger. Her bail hearing is postponed until Friday as more evidence is collected. Todd has no previous criminal record. The incident reportedly took place in Quebec or Ontario.
Disturbing TikTok Video
Before the girl went missing, Todd posted a TikTok video holding the child. She appeared angry and said, “You try that again, and this is going to get ugly.” The video caption read, “Have you ever faced a mother who has nothing left to lose?” It’s unclear whom she was addressing.
Dog’s Remains Found
Police also discovered the remains of a dog near the souvenir store. They believe the dog was with the girl when she disappeared. The dog was described as a long-haired chihuahua with reddish-brown fur.
Vehicle Sought
Authorities shared video of Todd’s grey 2007 Ford Escape. It has a “Baby on Board” sticker on the rear window’s right side. Police ask anyone who saw this vehicle between 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday to come forward.
Family Pleas and Gratitude
The girl’s father, Matthew Bell, 35, a professional chef, had posted emotional pleas on social media to find his daughter. On Wednesday, he thanked the public after the girl was found, saying, “She has been found!!!” and asked for privacy for his family.
Court Comments and Public Safety
Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel noted some family members listened to the court hearing online. She said Todd still poses a danger to the public but could not reveal details due to privacy rules. “It’s hard for a mother to work on that kind of case, but we have to do our job and keep the public safe,” she said.
Relief Across Quebec
The news that the girl was found alive brought relief across Quebec. Premier François Legault called it “beautiful news,” offering hope to the community after a tense few days.
