Manitoba, Canada – A man has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 13 years in the “heinous” murder of a 10-month-old baby in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Robert Alexander Bear was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Chase Pearl McCallum-Fleury, who was in medical distress at her home while her mother, Charity Fleury, was at work. Fleury’s then-boyfriend, Bear, had volunteered to watch the baby after her child-care plans fell through.
During Bear’s sentencing, Fleury tearfully described the “unimaginable horror” of her daughter’s murder, expressing the impact it has had on her and her family. A few days before Chase’s death, it was revealed that she also suffered a broken arm while in Bear’s care.
The sentencing judge, Sheldon Lanchbery, convicted Bear based on circumstantial evidence, emphasizing the absence of any other reasonable explanation for Chase’s fatal injury. Despite Bear’s seemingly loving relationship with Fleury and Chase, Lanchbery described the crime as a “heinous act.”
At the sentencing, family members of the victim spoke about the pain and devastation caused by Chase’s death, with one grandparent expressing a willingness to give their own life to bring the baby back. The emotional impact of the trial was evident, even leading to a paramedic breaking down while testifying.
Bear, a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, was described as a low risk to reoffend with no known history of addictions, mental illness, learning disabilities, or previous criminal record. Despite this, Lanchbery imposed a 10-year prohibition on Bear’s possession of weapons and ordered that he have no contact with Fleury while incarcerated.
While the hate and anger toward Bear remain strong, Fleury expressed the need to begin forgiving herself for the death of her daughter. She highlighted the importance of seeking forgiveness for herself and finding a path forward, acknowledging her baby’s love and not wanting to carry the pain and guilt forever.
The pain and loss experienced by all involved in Chase’s death represent the tragic reality of the situation, with the sentencing judge urging both families to find ways to cope and move forward despite the immense suffering caused by this heart-wrenching crime.