What began as just another day for the McLellan family would end with their youngest son clinging to life in hospital and a cloud of suspicion hanging over his mother and father. Why did Nathaniel collapse at the babysitter’s home? And why did police keep their focus on his parents? Listen to the seven-part podcast series by Toronto Star investigative reporter Kevin Donovan.

The series starts Monday, May 16, here, or at thestar.com/deathinasmalltownpodcast.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

Roll out of bed, get the kids to school, then off to work. Just before noon, disaster. A mysterious injury to young Nathaniel McLellan puzzles doctors at two hospitals and sparks what would become a six-year police investigation.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

Detectives zero in on parents Rose-Anne and Kent McLellan, while their son clings to life. While their every action is called into question, police conduct unauthorized searches and interview Nathaniel’s three brothers in a basement room.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

Shortly after Nathaniel is buried, police use a ruse to bring his parents in for interrogation. Rose-Anne and Kent reveal new information and the mystery of what happened to their son deepens.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

As the tunnel vision of police and doctors narrows even further, we investigate. The daycare operator’s media posts and interviews with locals help fill in some of the blanks in Nathaniel’s story, while a court victory provides access to previously secret police notes.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

What is normal behaviour when your child is dying? Rose-Anne and Kent confront doctors and learn what they were saying behind their back. Rose-Anne digs deeper and discovers missed clues.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

The small-town rumour mill is in overdrive. When Rose-Anne and Kent see a police car they expect to be pulled over. Their extended family is torn – some say fight on, others say drop it. Then, an eerily familiar request from police. Come to the station, we have news.

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London

As the McLellans prepare to celebrate son Luke’s graduation, the Ontario Provincial Police make an arrest in Nathaniel’s case. It’s been six years. Why are child death investigations this hard and how can they be done better?

Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London