09/20/2011
By Erica Bajer
There's been no decision on whether charges will be laid in the death of accused sex offender [name withheld], who was fatally injured while behind bars at the Niagara Detention Centre last month.
- What? Why not? Are you saying it's okay to murder someone, if it's a sex offender? Surely charges will be laid against someone?
Det. Sgt. Budd Rung, of the Niagara Regional Police Service's major crime unit, said the Crown Attorney is looking over the case before police determine whether charges will be laid.
It is unusual for police to consult the Crown prior to laying charges in a case, but Rung said sometimes it's necessary.
"Because of the circumstances surrounding this, it's a little bit difficult. I just want to make sure everything is done properly," he said. "It's up to us to ultimately lay charges."
- If the man wasn't a sex offender, would this even be considered?
Rung said a meeting between police and the Crown to discuss the case is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30.
[name withheld], 46, died after suffering fatal injuries Aug. 15 while in jail at the detention centre in Thorold. He was arrested in early August on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference.
The complainant was a 14-year-old male. Police haven't said if [name withheld]'s death is a homicide, nor have they revealed what caused his death.
- Yeah, they don't want people to know that sex offenders are being murdered in cold blood!
In a previous interview, Staff Sgt. James Prinsen said detectives believe crimes were committed around the time the man was hurt.
He said police were trying to determine what impact those offences, if any, had on the eventual death of the inmate.
He refused to say what type of crimes occurred or how they might be linked to the inmate's death.
Rung said officers have spoken with numerous people in the detention facility.
[name withheld]'s niece, [name withheld], who didn't want her last name published, said in a previous interview she believes [name withheld] was murdered. She also told The Standard she believes her uncle was innocent of the charges and that he never should have been behind bars in the first place.
A coroner's inquest is expected in the case — the probes are mandatory in all unnatural deaths that occur in the province's jails.
