Xaviya Butler: The baby was taken from the caregiver at nine months old

Natalie Anderson remembers the last time she saw nine-month-old Xavia Butler in person.

“I got her dressed and ready, put her in the car seat and never saw her again.” she said. “It broke me.”

Anderson provided CTV News with the parental rights agreement between her and Javia’s mother, her cousin, who provides her primary care as of June 26, 2021. The document was drawn up at Pinaimutang Health Center and certified by a registered nurse. Anderson said she is Javia’s mother, but not biologically.

She said Javia was taken out of her care in March 2022 after Javia’s mother changed her mind.

“I raised her. “She was my baby,” said Anderson, “she was always happy and taken care of with me.”

Butler’s remains were found in a shed in the Gypsumville area this June, and RCMP are investigating her death as a homicide.

RCMP released the child’s name last week, asking for photos or information that could confirm her whereabouts after March 2022.

RCMP said the CFS was not involved in her case at the time of her death and the province would not comment on the matter pending a police investigation. CTV News reached out to a member of the Butler family and was told they have no comment on the case.

No charges have been filed in Butler’s death.

Anderson said she will video chat with Javia after she leaves foster care and lives with her mother.

“It was every day,” she said, “then it was once a week, every two weeks, once a month, no hearing, no hearing from her, no seeing her.”

The video chats ended when Javia was 11 months old.

RCMP are asking anyone with information or photos to share to call the RCMP tip line at 431-489-8112.

-With files from The Canadian Press and Oleksandra Golyk of CTV