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Sauvageau testified Ezekiel had a form of respiratory ailment, laryngotracheobronchitis, or croup, which blocked his airway and stopped his breathing.

“I accept Dr. Sauvageau’s opinion. Ezekiel stopped breathing from laryngotracheobronchitis complications,” the judge said.

“From that point forward he was without oxygen or without sufficient oxygen until ultimately the lack of oxygen caused his death. There is no argument the Stephans acted in any way inappropriately once faced with the emergency created when Ezekiel stopped breathing. They did everything they could to get Ezekiel to the hospital and preserve his life.”

Following the verdict, the Stephans gathered with their dozens of supporters who had come to court, exchanging hugs with them and the three lawyers who acted on Collet’s behalf.

Photo by Kevin Martin / Postmedia

David Stephan, who represented himself, had argued that evidence suggested a failure by medical professionals to properly intubate his son was the real reason Ezekiel died.

Testimony indicated the boy was without oxygen for nearly nine minutes because the ambulance that took him to hospital wasn’t properly stocked with breathing equipment to fit a child.

“There was a request made for equipment for approximately one year. Those requests were never honoured. The ambulances were never equipped,” said Stephan.

“Within a week of Ezekiel’s passing . . . magically the ambulances are restocked. I think these are grounds for misrepresentation and a coverup. I’m no expert in law but I think that would constitute a case of criminal negligence resulting in death.”