The lawyer representing an Inuit man killed at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary last year says charges against several guards in the case have been a long time coming.
33-year-old Jonathan Henoche died last November while awaiting trial for the murder of 88-year-old Regula Schule, a respected community leader in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Henoche was approached by correctional officers during an incident at HMP on November 6 of last year. He was eventually taken to the SHU or “special handling unit” but died a short time later. His death was ruled a homicide.
Bob Buckingham represents the family of Jonathan Henoche.
He says the family is relieved over charges finally being laid, adding they recently came together to remember him and place flowers on his grave.
(Jonathan Henoche via Facebook)
Buckingham says at least six people were originally suspended in connection with the incident, but the RNC has not revealed how many have been charged, or the nature of the charges.
Those accused have been released on conditions to appear in provincial court at a later date.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Steve Crocker calls yesterday a “tough day for a lot of people.”
He calls it a highly-sensitive and serious situation and he offered his thanks to the RNC for their work.
Crocker says the province will continue to review policies and procedures in adult corrections to ensure they meet best practices from across the country.
Government will not offer further comment on the matter as it is before the courts and because it is a human resources issue.
