The family of a toddler found dead in an RM of Grahamdale barn are seeking answers and justice

Baby’s family Xavia Skye Lynn Butler is looking for answers and justice after RCMP announced Friday they are investigating the child’s death as a homicide.

Xavia’s remains were found in a barn in Grahamdale, RM on June 3, 2024. Xavia must have been about a year old at the time of his death.

“I want justice for her,” said Natalie Anderson, Javia’s family and former guardian. “Her story should be available. You need to know her name. Charges must be brought.”

*Xavia Skye Lynn Butler smiles for the camera. (Courtesy of Natalie Anderson)*

Anderson, a cousin of Xavia’s biological mother, said she became Xavia’s primary caregiver from the time she was born until Xavia was about 11 months old.

“I called her. She was with me from the first day,” she said.

Anderson said that shortly before Xaviya’s 1st birthday is around the time the baby’s biological mother wanted Xaviya in her custody. Anderson said that on March 17, 2022, Child and Family Services took Xavia from Anderson and returned her to Xavia’s biological mother.

Anderson said it was a day that broke her.

Before Xavia Skye Lynn Butler was taken into Natalie Anderson’s custody, she took several photos of them together and told Xavia that she would be waiting for her when she got home. (Courtesy of Natalie Anderson)

“I die inside every day. When a child is taken away from you, it hurts. It really hurts,” she said.

Anderson took a few photos with Javia before CFS took her away. This was the last time Anderson saw Javia in person.

“I told her she’d be back and mom would be home waiting for her,” she said. “She didn’t come home.”

Anderson said she video chatted with Javia daily shortly after Javia was taken, but about a month later the phone calls stopped completely and she lost contact.

“When I got to talk to Javia, it meant the world. With Javia, her eyes were always smiling. She was happy. She knew I was a mom,” Anderson recalled.

“I watch her videos every day. I look at her pictures every day.”

*Natalie Anderson says she cared for Xaviya from the time she was born until she was returned to her biological mother at about 11 months old. (Nick Johnston, CityNews*

Crystal Butler, Anderson’s sister, said the family is looking for answers about what happened to Javia and the circumstances of her death.

“There needs to be charges because someone is responsible,” Crystal said. “It’s really hard to talk about because it’s confusing.”

RCMP say Xavia has not been reported missing. Investigators were able to trace the timeline back to the year she was found dead. They are looking for any photos of Xavia taken after March 2022 so they can further investigate what happened to her.

“We hope these photos will be date and time stamped to help us create a better timeline of her life. We are also asking anyone who may have physically seen Xavia after March 2022 to also contact us to provide this information,” assisted Corporal Jill Lobodzian, an investigator with the RCMP Major Crimes Unit.

Related: RCMP investigate infant Xavia Butler’s murder

*Crystal Butler says the family is looking for answers and justice in the death of Xavia Skye Lynn Butler. (Nick Johnston, CityNews)*

When Anderson got the news of Javia’s death, she said she broke down in tears.

“Took a huge piece of my heart. broke me I want my child,” she said.

Anderson said that while the RCMP continue their investigation, she cherishes happy memories of Javia, remembering how the child was always “full of life.”

“She made my life better. She saved me. Children are gifts – they were given to me. She taught me how to be a mother again.”