The Calgary Police say they are getting closer to an arrest in the death of 6-year-old Meika Jordan last November.
They say that new forensic information has revealed more signs of physical abuse the Jordan suffered while she was in the care of her biological father and stepmother.
Staff Sergeant Doug Andrus said that there were other injuries to Meika, including third degree burns to her hand and finger.
Andrus says that the new evidence shows the child was in the sole care of the father and stepmother. “They continue to not cooperate with the investigation.”
Police expect to have the final pieces of evidence they need to finally lay charges in the case.
Officers responded to a home in the 6700 block of Temple Drive N.E. on November 13, 2011.
Family members inside the home told police that Meika had fallen down the stairs and suffered injuries to her head and abdomen.
She was transported to hospital but died the next day.
Now police say they have discounted the father and stepmother’s explanations of the girl’s injuries.
They consider them to be the prime suspects in the case.
To the mother and stepfather of Meika, the news comes as partial relief.
“It’s just really nice to know that they’ve been called out at suspects and the only suspects,” Brian Woodhouse, Meika’s stepfather said.
Meika’s mother Kyla Guttman says she was never aware of any abuse. “There is, of course, a lot of mixed emotions. The last thing we want is to jeopardize what police have worked so hard to get this far.”
Guttman is currently eight months pregnant, with her due date the day after the anniversary of Meika’s death.
