A guard at Manitoba’s Headingley Correctional Centre has been found not guilty of criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life, court ruled Friday.
Robert Jeffrey Morden was charged in the death of 45-year-old William Ahmo of Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation, who was involved in a 2021 standoff with guards at the provincial jail, just west of Winnipeg.
Ahmo died a week later in hospital from a brain injury that came as a result of a cardiac arrest.
Morden’s trial saw video evidence showing tactical officers taking Ahmo to the ground and putting him in shackles, before placing a spit hood over his head and sitting him in a restraint chair.
Provincial court Judge Tony Celliti ruled that although Morden was the officer in charge of the emergency response that subdued Ahmo, there wasn’t enough evidence to convict him of the charges.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Ahmo’s mother Darlene said she was heartbroken by the decision.
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“I had hoped for justice for my son, but instead, we are left with more questions and no accountability for his death,” she said.
“William’s life mattered, and to see no one held responsible is devastating.”
Darlene Ahmo said she intends to continue fighting for criminal justice reform to avoid a similar situation happening to other inmates in future.
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“This isn’t just about my son anymore—it’s about every inmate who is mistreated and forgotten.
she said.
“No one should lose their life because of neglect or a lack of basic humanity. William’s story is far from over, and I will keep fighting for the change that is so desperately needed.”
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says she’s incensed by the verdict.
Cathy Merrick said the acquittal represents a failure of the system, and that it reinforces a legacy of racism.
“It is a gross miscarriage of justice that contravenes the basic principles of our basic human rights — safety, justice and equity for First Nations people under the law,” Merrick said.
Merrick said the verdict carries a ‘clear message’ that First Nations lives are less valued by the legal system.
Hours after providing this statement, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs confirmed to Global News that Grand Chief Merrick had died.
AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside courthouse
With files from The Canadian Press
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