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Prison Guards, Supervisor Fired After Internal Investigation into the Death of Ashley Smith
Jan 21, 2008
Stark Raven Media Collective
Three prison guards and a supervisor have been fired following an internal investigation into the death of Ashley Smith.
Ashley was 19-years-old when she was found unconscious in her cell at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario this past October. She died in hospital of what police would only describe as "self-initiated asphyxiation."The four fired prison guards are facing criminal charges of criminal negligence causing death.Four other employees have also been suspended without pay for 60 days. In response to the firings, some union members picketed the Grand Valley Institution in protest.
Kim Pate, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Societies, said she was satisfied CSC was holding staff accountable for their actions.Originally from Moncton, N.B., Ashley was incarcerated at age 16 for throwing crab apples at a postal worker. While in prison she received further charges and ended up with a 6 year sentence.
She struggled with mental illness and spent much of her time in segregation.Another guard is facing charges in connection with a separate incident with Smith at a Saskatoon prison.
The Correctional Service Canada, local police, the Office of the Correctional Investigator and the youth and child advocate in New Brunswick have all launched separate inquiries into Ashley’s death.
Prison Ombudsman Considers Rare Public Inquiry into the Death of Ashley Smith
Jan 21, 2008
Stark Raven Media Collective
Canada’s Correctional Investigator may call a public hearing into the death of a 19-year-old prisoner. Howard Sapers says a public hearing conducted under his authority would allow for greater input from officials and wouldn’t be limited to the events directly related to Ashley Smith’s death.
Ashley Smith died on October 19, 2007 while in segregation at Ontario’s Grand Valley Institution.Smith had been in jail since she was fifteen years old and had tried to commit suicide several times.Sapers says he would investigate issues around use of segregation and access to mental health services.
Sources & Further Articles:telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com
www.canadaeast.com
dailygleaner.canadaeast.com
www.ctv.ca
www.canada.com
www.cbc.ca