Read the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
THUNDER BAY — After 16 days of testimony, the coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Don Mamakwa and Roland McKay, who died while in police custody, came to an emotional end as counsel on behalf of all involved parties delivered closing submissions, imploring the jury to deliver recommendations that will prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Mamakwa, 44, of Kasabonika First Nation died on Aug. 3, 2014. McKay, 50, of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, died on July 19, 2017. Kate Forget, counsel on behalf of the coroner, began her closing by acknowledging the families of Mamakwa and McKay, who attended every day of the inquest. Throughout the inquest, the jury heard details of how Mamakwa had interactions with police and paramedics on the night of Aug. 2, 2014 and asked to go to the hospital. Police believed paramedics cleared him to go into custody and he was placed in a cell.
“He was ignored. We have to ask ourselves why. Was it because he was Indigenous? Was it because he was intoxicated? Because he was homeless? Was it compassion fatigue, racism? We have to ask ourselves why.” Forget acknowledged that police and EMS faced many challenges at the time including a lack of resources and high call volume, which impacts their own well-being and can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, unconscious bias, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to James, the evidence in the inquest has shown that the actions and omissions on the part of Superior North EMS paramedics, Thunder Bay Police Service officers, the jailer, and watch commander involved with Mamakwa ultimately resulted in his death. Kevin Matthews, who represented several Thunder Bay police officers, argued the officers involved in the arrest of Mamakwa were acting within their legal right and believed he had been cleared by paramedics to be transported to the police headquarters.
Expert evidence presented during the inquest indicated that Mamakwa had a 97 per cent chance of surviving if he had been transported to the hospital the night he was taken into custody.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Parade of Lights returns on Dec. 10Read the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
Read more »
Cicigoi earning early praise in goal for ThunderwolvesRead the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
Read more »
Forest industry analyst expects 'some good bids' for Resolute's Thunder Bay millRead the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
Read more »
Acting police chief testifies in Mamakwa and McKay inquestRead the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
Read more »
Fighting Walleye rally to snap 2-game slideRead the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
Read more »