Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Winnipeg legal system”
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A provincial court inquest is set to investigate the fatal Winnipeg police shooting of Indigenous teen Eishia Hudson in 2020, focusing on whether systemic racism played a role. The officer, cleared of criminal culpability, shot Hudson twice after a high-speed chase following a robbery. Judge Margaret Wiebe’s decision outlines the inquest’s scope, including examining Hudson’s life, systemic racism, and the use of force. The family advocate’s office report on Hudson will be considered, along with the context of her being a First Nations youth. The inquest aims to provide answers and recommendations to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for an independent examination of systemic racism in policing.

Provincial Court Inquest into Fatal Winnipeg Police Shooting of Indigenous Teen to Examine Systemic Racism

In a tragic incident that occurred on April 8, 2020, a Winnipeg Police Service officer shot and killed Eishia Hudson, a 16-year-old Indigenous teen, after a high-speed chase following a robbery at the Sage Creek liquor store. The officer, whose name remains undisclosed, fired two shots at Hudson, one of which struck her in the shoulder and lodged in her spinal column.

Background of the Incident

The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) cleared the officer of criminal culpability in the shooting in January 2021. The officer claimed he feared Hudson was driving at police officers to try to strike them, as five other officers were present near the vehicle at the time. However, questions surrounding systemic racism and use of force in the case prompted a provincial court inquest.

Judge’s Decision on the Scope of the Inquest

Provincial court Judge Margaret Wiebe issued a written decision on May 21, emphasizing the importance of examining the social and cultural context of Eishia Hudson’s life to understand the cause, manner, and circumstances of her death. The inquest will delve into Hudson’s life and death, systemic racism, the use of force by police, a report from the Manitoba Child Advocate’s office, and social context evidence from the First Nations Family Advocate Office.

Exploring Systemic Racism in Policing

Despite the IIU’s previous investigation, Judge Wiebe insisted on an independent examination of systemic racism in policing by an expert with expertise in structural racism/discrimination. The inquest will also consider the interactions between Indigenous persons and police, particularly in the context of Eishia Hudson being identified as an Indigenous youth during the incident.

Child Welfare System and Police Encounters

Hudson’s experience in the child welfare system will be a focal point of the inquest, aiming to understand how her life experiences may have influenced her actions on the day of her death. The family advocate’s office will present reports on interactions between police and racialized youth, shedding light on the benefits of accessible wrap-around services for vulnerable youth.

Location and Circumstances of the Shooting

The fatal incident took place near Lagimodiere Boulevard and Fermor Avenue, where Hudson, behind the wheel of a vehicle with four teen passengers, engaged in a police pursuit that resulted in multiple collisions, including with police cruisers. Cellphone video footage of the shooting will be a crucial piece of evidence in the inquest.

Conclusion

The inquest into Eishia Hudson’s death serves as a critical step in addressing systemic issues within the policing system and ensuring accountability for the use of force. By examining the social and cultural context of Hudson’s life and the circumstances surrounding her death, the inquest aims to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.