Family of 22-year-old Cileana Taylor requested on Monday that the fees towards her alleged assailant be upgraded from assault to not less than manslaughter.
Taylor was attacked at a home occasion on Sept. 3 and remained in hospital for months with extreme mind harm earlier than dying on Feb. 26.
“To see a life lower quick isn’t simple and we acknowledge that a part of therapeutic can embody decision by way of the courts and justice system,” Peterborough police stated Wednesday in response to the household’s request.
A person, 23, is charged with aggravated assault and assault inflicting bodily hurt.
Police stated they proceed to liaise with the Crown lawyer on the matter.
“We perceive and might admire that that is most likely not the reply that gives quick, if any consolation,” police stated in an announcement.
Police additionally stated they’re ready for the outcomes of forensic checks, which might take months to obtain. They stated an replace on the case shall be supplied as soon as additional info is accessible.
Alleged assailant out on bail at time of assault
Chief Emily Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation, the place Taylor was raised and lived till the evening of the incident, additionally known as for the costs to be elevated on Monday.
Taylor and the accused had been intimate companions for about three months on the time of the alleged assault.
The person was already out on bail for a earlier assault cost relationship again to 2019 when he was charged for the incident involving Taylor.
He was launched on bail on Feb. 3, three weeks earlier than Taylor died.
“Gender-based and intimate associate violence continues to happen and for Indigenous girls and ladies the charges are even greater,” police stated of their assertion.
“We acknowledge this kind of violence is a systemic challenge. Peterborough Police will proceed to advocate for the protections afforded to victims of crime.”
Hiawatha First Nation writes letter of help
In a letter dated Wednesday, Hiawatha First Nation stated it helps the decision by Taylor’s household and Curve Lake First Nation to Peterborough police to improve the fees to murder.
“The cost of aggravated assault is just not sufficient when one in all our younger Indigenous girls has died from his violent assault,” Chief Laurie Carr stated within the letter on behalf of the Hiawatha First Nation Council.
Carr stated the accused is just not welcome on the Hiawatha First Nation or its Michi Saagiig and Williams Treaties Territory.
“Our group has supported Cileana’s household and Curve Lake First Nation by way of prayers and choices as they sat with Cileana within the hospital, and after her dying. Cileana, as all our Indigenous girls are sacred and part of the continuation of life for our individuals, our tradition and our traditions. They’re the hyperlink, and the connection to our future generations,” Carr stated within the letter.
“Cileana had worth. Cileana had a full life forward of her. The lack of Cileana’s life is unacceptable to our First Nation, to all our Peoples and to human form.”
Carr added that violence towards Indigenous girls isn’t acceptable.
