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Young mother faces three charges of attempted murder

A young Bashaw mother could face a major sentence for charges of attempted murder after she set fire to the family home early Dec. 20.

“The arrested adult female individual has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of arson with disregard for human life,” said Sergeant Patrick Webb of K Division (Alberta).

“The name of the accused and of the family members will not be released as it would re-victimize the victims.”

In her appearance at Stettler Provincial Court via closed-circuit television on Dec. 23, the judge granted the request by the lawyer of the accused for a psychological assessment to determine if the accused is fit to stand trial.

The next appearance of the accused before a court is scheduled for Jan. 14 in Red Deer Provincial Court. If she is found to be fit to stand trial, the case will resume in Stettler.

“This is a matter of local interest,” said Crown Prosecutor Tony Bell.

Bashaw RCMP and emergency crews arrived on the scene of the fire in progress around 6:22 a.m.

The occupants, one adult male, one adult female and two young children, all of the same family, had escaped from the burning structure and were treated by Emergency Medical Services.

The adult male was treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns, and other injuries were also reported.

RCMP investigation into the cause of the fire resulted in the adult female of the family home being arrested.

Details surrounding this incident cannot be released as police continue to investigate.