MONTREAL, Mar. 21, 2001 (LSN.ca) – Rachel Capra Craig, 46, was charged with first-degree murder yesterday in the poisoning death of her 14-year-old daughter Chelsea. Police report that the mother had made a lethal drug cocktail and administered it to her daughter and to herself. Mrs. Craig survived but Chelsea died from the poison.
Chelsea had Rett syndrome, a disorder which affects girls causing loss of control over muscle movements, particularly in the hands. While Rett patients must be cared for extensively due to their physical disability, mental capacity and life expectancy are much less affected. Chelsea attended a local high school where she will be missed by students and staff. Craig was expected to issue her plea today from her hospital bed. Police believe that she was suffering bouts of depression.
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition said it was shocked and saddened by the Chelsea’s death. EPC director Alex Schadenberg told LifeSite, “The death of Chelsea Craig reinforces the reality that people with disabilities in Canada are particularly vulnerable and reminds us of the need to ensure them proper care and protection.”
See the coverage in the Ottawa Citizen at: https://www.ottawacitizen.com/national/010321/5040294.html