Closing arguments in Whalen murder case

Crown and defense lawyers made closing arguments Monday in the case of a Fort Erie woman accused of the second degree murder of her toddler. Marissa Whalen died a few days after her second birthday and through this trial we’ve heard how when her mother Roseanne Whalen was living with her girlfriend Rainbow Hill, the little girl was beaten every day.

Rainbow Hill pleaded guilty to second degree murder last year. She says that she was the one who was violent, but she also says that Roseanne Whalen was with her every time. The abuse was so evident, Marissa couldn’t be taken out in public. Roseanne even said in one text message that Rainbow would end up killing her daughter. The defence presented evidence from family members and psychologists that said Roseanne was too immature and not smart enough to get out of an abusive relationship with Rainbow.
Here is some of what Roseanne said in a police interview, after she finally went to police months after the murder: “I don’t understand why I got charged, when I made the report I did what I could I turned her in. What was the relationship between you and Rainbow? She was my girlfriend on and off for two years you were pregnant yes and Rainbow has two kids and she was very good to my child when she was born.”

The crown says Roseanne Whalen is a liar, and manipulative, and is as guilty of the murder as Rainbow Hill.