Community Alert: Manslaughter Charge in Death of Six-Year-Old in The Pas
SECTION 1: THE ALERT
Manitoba RCMP have laid serious charges against two caregivers in connection with the 2024 death of a six-year-old girl from The Pas, Manitoba. The child was first taken to hospital on October 29, 2024, with significant injuries and bruising, and later died in a Winnipeg hospital from a traumatic head injury on November 3, 2024.
Following a lengthy investigation by RCMP Major Crime Services, officers arrested a couple from The Pas on April 14, 2026. One caregiver has been charged with manslaughter and several related offences, while the other faces a charge for failing to provide the necessities of life. These charges reflect the investigative conclusion that the girl’s injuries resulted from an assault the day before she was first brought to hospital.
SECTION 2: OFFICIAL DETAILS
On October 29, 2024, RCMP in The Pas received a report that a six-year-old girl had been brought to a local hospital by a caregiver. The child showed serious injuries and visible bruising. At that time, the explanation provided to authorities was that she had fallen from her bed.
Due to the severity of her condition, the girl was transported by air to a hospital in Winnipeg. Despite medical efforts, she died on November 3, 2024. The cause of death was determined to be a traumatic head injury.
A subsequent investigation led by Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services determined that the injuries were not consistent with a simple fall as initially reported. Investigators concluded that the child had been assaulted on the day prior to being taken to hospital. Earlier in April 2026, prosecutors authorized charges against two caregivers responsible for the child’s health and wellbeing.
On April 14, 2026, RCMP officers located and arrested the couple in The Pas, Manitoba. The following charges have been laid:
Accused: Ashley Morach, 39, of The Pas
- Manslaughter
- Failure to provide the necessities of life
- Obstructing justice (two counts)
Accused: Joel Morach, 35, of The Pas
- Failure to provide the necessities of life
At this time, the release from Manitoba RCMP does not include a direct request for public assistance such as witnesses, tips, or suspect identification. All information above is drawn from the official RCMP communication regarding this case.
While this incident occurred in Manitoba, CrimeCanada.ca tracks and analyzes similar serious violent offences across the country to understand risk patterns and inform the public. For comparison, communities in other provinces, such as Babine 6 in British Columbia crime statistics and safety data, are also monitored to identify trends in harm to vulnerable individuals and to support better prevention strategies.
SECTION 3: CRIMECANADA.CA SAFETY PERSPECTIVE
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, the alleged assault and resulting death of a young child in The Pas is a deeply troubling reminder of the critical importance of child protection and early intervention. Cases involving serious harm to children often occur behind closed doors, where victims are least able to speak for themselves. For communities across Manitoba, this type of alert underscores the need for vigilance around the wellbeing of children—especially when unexplained injuries, drastic behavioural changes, or concerning stories about “accidents” emerge.
Community safety is strengthened when neighbours, educators, health professionals, and extended family take note of warning signs and know how to report concerns. If you ever suspect that a child may be in danger or not receiving proper care, contact your local police service or child protection agency immediately. In emergencies, always call 911. Documenting what you see and reporting it promptly can be a life-saving step. Our mission at CrimeCanada.ca is to provide clear, factual safety information so residents across the country—from Manitoba to communities like Chilhil 6 crime and safety statistics in British Columbia—can better understand risks and play an informed role in protecting vulnerable members of their communities.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the manitoba community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.