COTEAU-DU-LAC, QUEBEC — The mother of three-year-old Claire Bell, whose disappearance on Sunday sparked a widespread and ongoing police search, has been formally charged with child abandonment. Rachel Todd, 34, made a brief court appearance by video Tuesday from a detention facility, as investigators continue their efforts to locate the missing child.
Todd appeared by video link at the Valleyfield courthouse, wearing a red shirt and a grey blanket draped over her shoulders. She remained mostly silent throughout the proceedings, nodding occasionally as the judge informed her she would appear in person for a bail hearing on Wednesday. The only words she spoke were “OK” when addressed by the judge and “bye” as the session ended.
Crown prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel said Todd’s release is being opposed, citing public safety concerns and the ongoing disappearance of Claire Bell. “For now, we don’t know what happened to the little girl. We still have police actively investigating, and we want to ensure nothing more tragic is going on,” Prévost-Gravel told reporters outside the courthouse.
While Todd has no prior criminal record, the Crown has already disclosed evidence to the defense. Details regarding the nature of that evidence have not been made public. Prévost-Gravel also confirmed that, at this stage, there has been no formal request for a psychiatric evaluation to determine if Todd is fit to stand trial.
Police have yet to release information on what led to the arrest and the charges against Todd. However, it was confirmed by Sûreté du Québec Sgt. Jean-Raphaël Drolet that she was taken into custody and appeared in court overnight.
Notably, just hours before reporting her daughter missing, Todd posted a TikTok video that has since drawn public attention. In the video, she stares into the camera and says, “You try that again and this is going to get ugly.” The caption reads: “Have you ever faced a mother who has nothing left to lose?”
Claire Bell was last seen in the Coteau-du-Lac area on Sunday, where she had been with her family. Her disappearance has prompted a major search operation involving police officers, search-and-rescue teams, and volunteers. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Claire’s whereabouts to come forward immediately.
Todd remains in custody ahead of her in-person bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The investigation into Claire Bell’s disappearance is ongoing.
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