Manitoba Orders Inquests Into Seven Deaths, Including Children, Police Encounters and Custody Cases
WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s chief medical examiner has ordered inquests into the deaths of seven individuals, including two young children, two men who died during encounters with police, and two inmates who died while in custody, raising renewed concerns about public safety and oversight.
The inquests, announced by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Manitoba, are required in cases involving deaths in custody or as a result of police use of force, but can also be initiated in the public interest to determine whether similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
Among the cases is the death of a 14-month-old boy in Wasagamack First Nation in February 2024, who died from multiple stab wounds in a child welfare transitional home; his mother was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and found not criminally responsible.
Another case involves a 46-day-old infant who died of malnourishment in December 2023, with authorities laying a manslaughter charge against the child’s mother following the incident.
The inquests will also examine the death of 59-year-old Bradley Singer, who was fatally shot by Winnipeg police during a standoff while reportedly armed, with Manitoba’s police watchdog later ruling the use of force justified in response to a mental health call.
Officials say the proceedings aim to provide transparency, uncover contributing factors, and recommend measures that could help prevent similar deaths across the province.
Swifteradio.com
