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A report by the Alberta medical examiner into the death of a child in care wasn’t completed until nearly two years after her death, then delayed six days before being given to the RCMP, who asked that it not be released.

It wasn’t until Sept. 9, 2016, that the medical examiner’s office completed the report into the death of the four-year-old, whom the Journal learned last week was named Serenity. She died on Sept. 27, 2014, while in kinship care, being looked after by family members.

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A “highly complex” case was blamed for the delay by Alberta Justice spokesman Dan Laville. The medical examiner had to consult with outside experts, who often have other requests to deal with, and worked closely with the RCMP during its investigation, he said.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said the government was complying with the wishes of the RCMP in not releasing the report to the public or to provincial Child and Youth Advocate Del Graff.

“They are the experts in investigations and in what they need to prove a case and what could potentially be detrimental and we are going to respect that expertise,” said Ganley.

Medical records obtained by the Journal show the severely underweight and malnourished Serenity was suffering hypothermia and had multiple bruises, including around her genitals, when she arrived at hospital. Her hymen was gone. The woman who took her to hospital said she fell off a swing.