Levana Azelie Blessing Casimir, a 1-year-old infant, had celebrated her first birthday on September 23, surrounded by her family. Her mother, Gabriella Casimir, 27, cherishes the memory of that day. However, Gabriella is now facing the difficult reality of losing her youngest child and the arrest of her partner, Jean Yvan Adélaïde, 27, who is accused of murder.
Gabriella, a mother of five children aged 13, 11, 5, 3, and 1, describes her partner as a calm man who was close to the children and took good care of them. She finds it hard to accept that he is suspected of harming her daughter. "Mo misie pa pou fer enn zafer koumsa," she says, adding that he was good with the children and never hurt them.
According to Gabriella, Levana had been experiencing stomach problems for a few days before her death. She had taken her to the dispensary, where the child was given a suppository, but the pain persisted. Gabriella and her partner then took Levana to Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital, but they were told to take her home, as there were other young children at home that needed care.
On Sunday evening, Levana's condition worsened, and her mother became increasingly worried. Her partner gave the child a stomach massage, but Levana's condition continued to deteriorate. The family then called the emergency medical service, and upon arrival, the doctor confirmed the child's death. The police were alerted, and an autopsy revealed a laceration of the intestine.
Jean Yvan Adélaïde was questioned by investigators and claimed that he had only given the child a massage because she was not feeling well and had no intention of harming her. He was provisionally charged with murder and appeared before the Port-Louis court. A reconstitution of the facts has been carried out, and he is currently in police detention.
Once the investigation is complete, the case will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will decide on the next course of action. Meanwhile, Adélaïde's relatives hope that the provisional charge against him will be dropped. Gabriella is left to grieve the loss of her youngest child, who had started to stand and take her first steps, although she was slow to speak.
The community is shocked by the tragic event, and many are following the case closely. Gabriella's account of the events leading up to Levana's death provides a glimpse into the circumstances surrounding the infant's tragic passing.
Key points
- Jean Yvan Adélaïde, 27, has been provisionally charged with murder in connection with the death of his 1-year-old partner's daughter, Levana Azelie Blessing Casimir.
- An autopsy revealed a laceration of the intestine as the cause of Levana's death.
- Gabriella Casimir, 27, the mother of the deceased infant, is struggling to cope with the loss of her child and the arrest of her partner.
