Months after a tragic incident in an Alberta apartment that resulted in the death of a young mother and the disappearance of her baby, the stepfather of the deceased woman still holds onto hope that his granddaughter is alive. Ross Learn, stepfather of Ayla Egotik-Learn, expressed his optimism saying, “I like to think that she’s still alive. That’s my hope.” The 23-year-old Inuk mother was found deceased in January in her St. Albert residence, located northwest of Edmonton.
The discovery was made after authorities were called to the apartment following an attempted eviction, where they found the mother’s remains and a suspicious package that raised concerns about the well-being of Egotik-Learn’s infant daughter, Brayley. Despite extensive search efforts by the police, the baby has not been located to date.
Learn, residing in Iqaluit, shared with CBC News that he never had the opportunity to meet his beloved granddaughter. He had planned to meet her during a visit to Edmonton in October, but his attempts to reach Egotik-Learn went unanswered. Messages from the young mother’s phone indicated that both her and the baby were unwell, preventing any visitation.
Recent updates from the Alberta RCMP revealed that Egotik-Learn likely passed away in September, contrary to initial reports suggesting December. The new timeline has deeply affected Learn, especially since the family had received messages from Egotik-Learn’s phone and social media accounts until December. Police now suspect that the baby’s remains were disposed of in a nearby garbage bin to where Egotik-Learn’s body was discovered.
Christopher Beasley, the baby’s father and Egotik-Learn’s common-law partner, is facing charges related to Egotik-Learn’s death and the handling of her body. Learn described the accusations as “evil” and expressed his disbelief at the unfolding events. The relationship between Beasley and Egotik-Learn had a troubled history, with reports of domestic violence.
The search for Brayley continues, with RCMP urging the public to provide any information related to furniture disposal at the Sturgeon Point Villas dumpsters between mid-September and mid-November. Learn hopes for closure and justice, stating, “I hope that somebody saw something, that somebody could provide some information, just to bring closure for her mom and for myself.”