Canada's Pathetic Justice System > And it's always children who pay the price

 

Edmonton Police Chief issues subtle threat to Crown prosecutor and judge

Releasing child killing details an option: Edmonton police chief

By Fakiha Baig  The Canadian Press

Posted October 1, 2025 5:05 pm

 Updated October 2, 2025 5:01 pm

 1 min read

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Edmonton Chief of Police Warren Driechel speaks during a press conference in Edmonton, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson. GAC

Edmonton police have started mending fences with Crown prosecutors after a public dispute in the case of a dead child, but the conflict may not be over.

A 29-year-old woman charged with second-degree murder pleaded guilty last month to a reduced charge of manslaughter in the killing of the eight-year-old girl.

The child’s body was found in a hockey bag in the back of a truck on the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, in 2023.

Days before the plea, police issued a public letter under Driechel’s name calling on the Crown to scrap a planned plea deal with the woman for an eight-year-sentence.

The letter, which also includes a threat to release details of the case, ignited a public debate over police and prosecutor roles in the justice system.

Driechel says the force penned the letter to highlight ongoing poor communications between prosecutors and police.

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