VALLEYFIELD, QUEBEC — Rachel Todd, the mother of missing three-year-old Claire Bell, appeared in court Tuesday after being formally charged with child abandonment. The charge follows the mysterious disappearance of Claire on Sunday, which has since prompted a large-scale police search in the Coteau-du-Lac area.
Todd, 34, appeared briefly by video from a detention facility, wearing a red shirt and a grey blanket draped over her shoulder. Visibly quiet and withdrawn, she stood close to the screen, nodded during most of the brief hearing, and only spoke twice—responding with “OK” and “bye” before the session ended. She is scheduled to appear in person for a bail hearing on Wednesday at the Valleyfield courthouse.
Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel confirmed that Todd’s release is being opposed, citing ongoing concerns for public safety and the still-unresolved case of Claire’s disappearance. “We don’t yet know what happened to the little girl,” Prévost-Gravel said. “Police are still actively investigating. We want to make sure nothing more tragic is happening.”
While Todd has no previous criminal history, the Crown has handed over evidence to the defense, though the details have not been made public. There has been no request at this stage for a psychiatric evaluation to assess her fitness to stand trial.
Police have not shared specific information on what led to Todd’s arrest. However, officials confirmed she had a remote court appearance overnight. A TikTok video posted by Todd shortly before she reported her daughter missing has also drawn scrutiny. In the video, Todd looks into the camera and says, “You try that again and this is going to get ugly.” The post was captioned: “Have you ever faced a mother who has nothing left to lose?”
Claire Bell was last seen on Sunday in Coteau-du-Lac, west of Montreal. Her disappearance remains under investigation. Police continue to search the area and have asked the public to report any information that might help locate the missing child.
Todd remains in custody pending her bail hearing. The investigation is ongoing.
Leave a Reply