Shock and Disapproval from Edmonton Police

In a bold and unprecedented move, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has publicly expressed its outrage regarding Crown prosecutors’ decision to allow a plea deal for a woman accused of murdering an eight-year-old Indigenous girl. This rare action highlights the police department's frustration with the prosecutorial system.

Disturbing Details of the Homicide

The case involves the tragic kidnapping and murder of a girl who went missing from her Edmonton home. Her body was later discovered abandoned in a hockey bag in Maskwacis. The accused, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was charged in 2023 with first-degree murder, facing a possible life sentence with no parole for 25 years.

Plea Deal Sparks Controversy

The EPS's dissatisfaction was made clear in a letter addressed to provincial assistant deputy justice minister Kim Goddard. EPS's legal services director, Megan Hankewich, expressed disbelief that the accused is expected to accept a plea deal reducing the charge to manslaughter, which could result in a mere eight-year prison sentence.

A Call for Justice

Hankewich argued that allowing the plea deal would undermine the integrity of the justice system and could constitute a grave miscarriage of justice. She urged Goddard to reconsider the decision, referencing similar cases where more stringent sentences were pursued.

Potential Fallout and Public Transparency

If the Crown insists on moving forward with the plea agreement, EPS is prepared to disclose critical details about the case to the public, enabling citizens to evaluate whether this plea deal represents justice for the victim. However, they plan to hold off on this for now to avoid influencing a potential jury if the case proceeds to trial.

The Public's Right to Know

Hankewich emphasized the need for transparency, stating, "If this matter concludes as currently planned, there is no potential jury pool to taint, which allows us to share significant information from our investigation with the public for proper assessment." This situation raises essential questions about the fairness and efficacy of the judicial process in cases involving vulnerable victims, particularly Indigenous children.