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EDMONTON — Alberta’s police watchdog is investigating a letter sent by Edmonton police to Crown prosecutors challenging an expected plea deal for a woman charged with killing an eight-year-old girl.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team announced the investigation Thursday, pointing to potential misconduct by police leadership that had been flagged by the judge in the case.
In September, a lawyer with the police force, Megan Hankewich, wrote the letter publicly urging prosecutors to call off what police expected would be an eight-year sentence for a guilty plea to manslaughter. The woman was facing trial on a charge of second-degree murder.
Chief Warren Driechel sent the letter to the head of the prosecution service and justice minister.
The letter said eight years would be a “significant miscarriage of justice,” given the horrific circumstances, and police might release disturbing details of the case to prove their point.
In February, a judge sentenced Ashley Rattlesnake to eight years for manslaughter in the 2023 death of Nina Napope Dumais.
Court heard Rattlesnake had been drinking alcohol and using methamphetamine the night the girl was killed. She was found lying on the floor bleeding next to a hole in the wall, but how she sustained her fatal head injury wasn’t determined.
Rattlesnake didn’t call 911 and instead asked acquaintances for help.
Nina’s body was later found in a hockey bag in the back of a truck.
Court of King’s Bench Justice Jody Fraser, in sentencing Rattlesnake, called police comments about the case “reprehensible” and suggested their “veiled threat” may have obstructed justice.
He also cited the police comments as a “somewhat” mitigating factor in sentencing.
The case sparked widespread debate, as it challenged the firewall between police, who investigate and recommend or lay charges, and prosecutors, who decide how charges are handled in court.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith weighed in at the time, saying she was glad police tried to intervene and that the public needs to understand why prosecutors make their decisions.
The police letter drew condemnation from legal groups, including the Canadian Association of Crown Counsel, who said the conduct of police leaders undermined the independent prosecution service and eroded public trust in the justice system.
In April, the group representing Alberta defence lawyers called for a criminal investigation into police over possible extortion, obstruction of justice and intimidation of a justice system participant.
On Thursday, the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association welcomed the watchdog’s announcement.
Paul Moreau, speaking for the association, said they’re happy there’s going to be a serious investigation but that the results should be passed on to an out-of-province prosecutor.
“There’s a potential for a conflict of interest if someone who’s in the Alberta Crown reviews this investigation to decide if charges would be laid, because they’re basically the victim,” he said.
Moreau added that prosecutors answer to the justice minister, who in turn answers to the premier.
He said Smith’s past comments raise concerns that she “may not have a full and proper appreciation of the different and separate roles of the police and the Crown prosecutor in the justice system.”
Moreau noted it’s rare for a police chief to be subject to such an investigation, but it’s not unprecedented in Canada.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is a branch of the Police Review Commission. The commission, which began operating in December, is an arm’s-length, civilian-led agency that investigates complaints of police conduct.
The commission said it received a referral from Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis last week and ordered the investigation.
Edmonton police said they will co-operate.
“We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the Crown and improving collaboration and accountability within the justice system,” it said in a statement.
“Our thoughts remain with the Napope family, who we will support as they continue to mourn Nina’s loss.”
Matthew Block, acting executive director of the response team, promised a careful and fair investigation.
“Our responsibility is to follow the evidence, assess the matter within our mandate and provide the public with confidence that the process is independent,” he said in a news release.
Ellis, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service and Edmonton Police Commission chair Ben Henderson declined to comment while the investigation is underway.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2026.
Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
