A 17-year-old accused in the violent assault of an eight-year-old girl in Quadeville, Ont., made a brief court appearance Thursday in Pembroke.
The teen, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with attempted murder and sexual assault with a weapon involving a person under 16. His lawyer, Marni Munsterman, confirmed his parents were in court.
The incident has shaken the tight-knit community of Quadeville, about two hours west of Ottawa.
The girl, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was reported missing just after 9 p.m. on June 23. She was found seriously injured by an OPP canine unit around 12:30 a.m. the following day. At first, police believed her injuries were caused by an animal.
Since the attack, Quadeville residents have voiced concerns about the police response.