Inquest into teenager fatally shot by police begins with family member statement

A long-awaited inquest into the police shooting of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson got underway Monday. CTV’s Jeff Keele has the latest.

A long-awaited inquest into the police shooting of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson is underway.

The hearing began with a traditional ceremony and opening statements by family members. Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson was present.

“It’s just painful, listening to the experience of the family and just hearing the hurt and pain,” Wilson said.

Hudson, an Indigenous teen, was fatally shot by police in April 2020 after a robbery at a Sage Creek Liquor Mart and a chase with a stolen jeep. The vehicle she was driving crashed into another vehicle at Lagimodiere Boulevard and Fermor Avenue.

The inquest will examine whether the use of force was appropriate and if systemic racism played a role.

Wilson hopes recommendations from the inquest will lead to changes to prevent this from happening again.

“We’re not looking for, you know, any criminal or liable decisions, I guess, so to speak within this process; we’re just looking at the systemic change,” Wilson said.

Manitoba’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), cleared police in 2021 of any criminal liability. Former Civilian Director Zane Tessler spoke about their findings at the time.

“This investigation was a complete and thorough review of all available evidence. I’m satisfied that no stone was left unturned,” Tessler said in 2021.

NDP MP Leah Gazan also wants to change how police are investigated. She feels the IIU is not fully independent.

“I don’t think former police officers, people that are involved in the system, are an impartial voice,” Gazan said.

Hudson’s family, the Winnipeg Police Service, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ Family Advocate, and the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth were granted permission to participate in the inquest in a 2022 judge’s ruling.