Trial begins of Oshawa man accused in the death of nine month-old baby
Published November 9, 2021 at 1:30 pm
A second-degree murder trial is underway of the man accused in the death of a nine-month-old baby in Oshawa.
Denim Henderson stands accused of killing Kaleb McKay, his girlfriend’s son, in 2016. In court Monday, he pled not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault and failing to provide the necessities of life.
McKay was found unresponsive by police in an apartment in the Simcoe Street and Wentworth Street area on December 29, 2016. The child had suffered numerous injuries and EMS attempts to resuscitate him failed.
An autopsy discovered the injuries and the child’s death was ruled a homicide. Nearly 18 months later Durham Police arrested Henderson, then 25, filing the charges he now defends in court.
McKay’s mother, Jordan Brownell, then 26, was also arrested and charged with manslaughter. Both were later released on bail.
After his arrest Henderson’s lawyer, Sandip Khehra, said Henderson was, “shocked” and, “very upset,” by the charges. Henderson could be seen openly weeping in his bail hearing.
At the time, DRPS spokesmen George Tudos explained the lengthy period prior to charges being laid. “The post mortem was conducted right after the baby’s death, but due to the nature of the injuries, there needed to be further time to investigate.”
In jury selection on Monday, Judge Laura Bird stressed the need for jurors to remain objective.
Arguments begin today in the trial, which is expected to last one month.
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