1. Scope of inquest into death of Eishia Hudson shot by Winnipeg police
2. Inquest into death of Eishia Hudson by Winnipeg police.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : The ongoing inquest into the tragic death of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson, who was fatally shot by Winnipeg police in 2020, is set to delve into the potential role of systemic racism in her untimely demise. The inquiry will also scrutinize the use of force by law enforcement officers and assess whether it was justified and appropriate in the circumstances.
Judge Margaret Wiebe recently decided on the parameters of the inquest, a ruling that was disclosed to the public last Friday. Prior to her decision, submissions were made by legal representatives for Hudson’s family, the Winnipeg Police Service, the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, and the First Nations Family Advocate Office.
Under the Fatalities Inquiries Act, an inquest can be initiated if the chief medical examiner suspects that a person’s death resulted from the use of force by a peace officer acting in the line of duty. The scope of the inquiry will encompass a comprehensive evaluation of Hudson’s life and death, including an examination of the social and cultural context in which she lived.
A pivotal document to be considered during the inquest is the Memengwaa Widoodaagewin, also known as the Butterfly Project, a report that assessed the services provided to Hudson and her family. This report specifically focuses on police interactions with racialized youth and emphasizes the importance of accessible wrap-around services for all young individuals.
Judge Wiebe emphasized the significance of understanding Hudson’s experiences within the child welfare system, noting that her encounters with law enforcement may have shaped her perceptions and actions leading up to her tragic death. Hudson was fatally shot by a Winnipeg police officer following a pursuit that stemmed from a liquor store robbery in the Sage Creek neighborhood in April 2020.
The inquest will also explore the potential influence of systemic racism on Hudson’s death, with particular attention to her Indigenous identity. The decision highlighted the need for an independent examination by an expert in structural racism/discrimination to shed light on the interactions between Indigenous persons and law enforcement.
While the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba found no criminal liability on the part of the police officer involved in Hudson’s death, the inquest aims to provide a thorough analysis of the circumstances surrounding her passing. Social context evidence from the First Nations Family Advocate Office will further contribute to the inquiry’s findings.
Judge Wiebe underscored the inquest’s focus on understanding the causes and circumstances of Hudson’s death to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The inquiry is not intended as a broad examination of the criminal justice and child welfare systems but rather a targeted exploration of the events leading to Hudson’s untimely demise.
As the inquest progresses, expert testimony and evidence from various sources will be crucial in shaping a comprehensive understanding of the factors at play in Hudson’s tragic death. A date for the inquest has not yet been determined, but all parties involved are committed to seeking justice and preventing similar incidents in the future..
Judge sets scope of inquest into death of Eishia Hudson shot by Winnipeg police in .
