Man accused of leaving his mother on the floor to die granted bail

WINNIPEG – A 62-year-old Winnipeg man who allegedly let his elderly mother die without doing enough to help her was granted bail Monday afternoon.

Ron Siwicki is accused of failing to provide the necessities of life for his 90-year-old mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Siwicki, who fell in their Garden City home.

Dozens of members of Winnipeg’s musical community were in court to show their support for Siwicki, who quietly cried on-and-off throughout the 90 minute hearing.

“We’ve all been very afraid for him, for his state of mind,” said Michael Gillespie, who has known Siwicki for almost 40 years and has invited him to stay at his home.  “He wouldn’t hurt a sparrow.”

A publication ban prevents Global News from reporting any evidence presented in Monday’s hearing.

But sources told Global News this morning Siwicki’s mom fell sometime in late november – and was unable to get up

Instead of calling for help – Siwicki allegedly covered her with a blanket, and fed her nutritional drinks

Police weren’t called to the home until Dec. 17.

Siwicki’s lawyer, Mike Cook, said his client is distraught.

“As Mr Siwicki has said to the police, his mom said to him ‘don’t call for help,” said Cook outside the courtroom.  “”To lose a parent is a horrendous thing at any point in your life.
Then to be accused of being at fault for the passing of your parent – and then to be detained in the remand centre – is just the most horrendous thing … that could happen to an individual.”

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Cook told Global News Siwicki breaks down in tears everytime they speak.

Neighbors said Siwicki appeared to have a good relationship with his mom.

According to sources, Betty suffered from dementia, although Cook could not confirm that, and her son was her only family in Winnipeg.

Her husband is dead and her other child passed away a few years ago.

Siwicki was granted bail at a special hearing Monday afternoon. The Judge asked he receive psychiatric assessment.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.