Murray Wood: Of Easter bunny bells and Juicy Fruit gum
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The quest for justice isn’t over for Nadine Machiskinic’s family and their supporters.
They are requesting Saskatchewan’s justice minister review the case.
“There are too many glitches, too many unanswered questions,” said Brenda Dubois, a community activist and supporter who spoke at a news conference Monday. “Nadine still deserves justice.”
Machiskinic died following a fall down the laundry chute at the Delta Hotel two years ago.
A recent coroner’s inquest ruled her death undetermined and three days of hearing evidence highlighted flaws in the original investigation.
Some things were missed in the initial investigation that weren’t noticed until evidence was reviewed a year after her death.
There was a delay in sending toxicology away for analysis, with each investigator thinking the others had sent it.
Police were unable to identify two men who likely rode the elevator with Machiskinic that night.
Delores Stevenson, Machiskinic’s aunt, said she believes the identity of those men is reason enough for the case to be looked at again.
“Looking into computer data and files is probably not that hard to do and I think that can be done,” she argued. “I think that information can be accessed if they are willing to do that.”
However, Under The Police Act, the justice minister cannot compel a police agency to reopen a case.
Instead Gord Wyant is advising the family to ask the public complaints commission to take a second look at the case.
“The Public Complaints Commission is the most appropriate body to hear concerns of this nature. I know they have looked into the matter a year ago and determined at that time they did not have an issue with the work of the Regina Police Service,” Wyant said in a written statement.
“With the inquest now being complete they might revisit that review but it would be up to them to make that determination if a request was made.”
Wyant added all those involved had lessons to learn.
“There were a lot of questions that came out of the inquest and it is up to the responsible agencies such as the RPS, Coroner’s office and the ministry to ensure processes are improved so that these do not happen again,” Wyant said.
Police Chief Evan Bray said he is only willing to look into the case if new evidence or information comes forward. He denies race or bias about Machiskinic’s lifestyle played a role in the investigation.
