Alberta Woman Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years for 8-Year-Old Girl’s Death
Ashley Rattlesnake, 30, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for the tragic death of eight-year-old Nina Napope Dumais. This sentencing took place in Edmonton, Alberta, stirring significant emotional reactions from family and supporters of the young girl.
Background of the Case
Nina Napope Dumais was under Rattlesnake’s care when she suffered fatal injuries on April 22, 2023. A detailed statement of facts reveals that at the time, Rattlesnake was the only adult present in a home with four children. Nina was the eldest of the siblings, all of whom shared a biological connection with Brandon Dumais, who was imprisoned at the time.
On that fateful afternoon, Rattlesnake and a friend were in a bathroom consuming alcohol and methamphetamine while the children were reportedly unsupervised in another room. Court documents indicate that Rattlesnake did not call for emergency services after discovering Nina lying motionless on a bedroom floor, despite the girl having visible injuries.
Details of the Sentencing
The court initially imposed an eight-year sentence, but Rattlesnake received credit for time served, and her sentence was further reduced due to her guilty plea. She originally faced first-degree murder charges, which were downgraded to second-degree murder before she ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter in September 2025. Family members, including Nina’s great-aunt, expressed dissatisfaction with the leniency of the sentence.
- Original Charge: First-degree murder
- Reduced to: Manslaughter
- Initial Sentence: Eight years, reduced to three years and nine months
Public Reaction and Family’s Grief
Family and friends filled the courtroom, many donning shirts that honored Nina and chanted “justice for Nina.” Janet Blyan, the girl’s great-aunt, criticized the justice system for transferring Rattlesnake to a facility outside of Alberta, which she viewed as further protection for the woman convicted in her niece’s death.
Danielle Blyan, another family member, noted the involvement of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and acknowledged their role in advocating for justice, despite initially opposing the plea deal.
Investigation and Medical Findings
Investigators uncovered that Nina suffered chronic abuse while living with Rattlesnake. Reports indicated multiple injuries, both recent and old, suggesting longstanding mistreatment. A medical examination revealed that Nina had sustained a blunt-force head injury that ultimately led to her death, compounded by untreated health issues, including sepsis from an infected tooth.
In a chilling turn of events, CCTV footage captured Rattlesnake’s friend arriving with a hockey bag, later identified as containing Nina’s body. Police located this bag days later in Maskwacis, Alberta, leading to further scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding Nina’s death.
Conclusion
The case continues to resonate as a painful reminder of child abuse and neglect, with the sentencing sparking discussions about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing such severe offenses. As the community mourns Nina, family members are left seeking answers and demanding accountability for her tragic passing.
