Judge rules not guilty in trial of Manitoba jail guard accused in death of inmate

Tears could be seen outside a courtroom Friday, where a Manitoba judge delivered his verdict in the case of a senior corrections officer charged in the death of an inmate. 

Dozens gathered to hear the verdict, including many family members.

Many could be heard chatting in anticipation, as the courtroom filled within minutes, leaving some to fill extra chairs against the side walls, as Robert Jeffrey Morden sat stoically with his wife in the gallery and held her hand.

Morden has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life for 45-year-old William Ahmo of Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation.

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After hearing all the evidence, the judge ruled on Friday that Morden was not guilty for the death of Ahmo. In his ruling, the judge said he was not satisfied that the charges could be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prior to the ruling, Morden could be heard letting out a loud breath, as he held back tears, with his wife holding his hand. As the ruling was given, the tears couldn’t be held back any longer.

Outside the court room, Ahmo’s family could be seen hugging, heartbroken from the results of the verdict.

Media heard from Ahmo’s friend Louise Menow, who said the outcome wasn’t fair.

“I want justice for my friend. He was more than a friend, he was like a brother to me,” Menow said. “I want (people) to remember that he was a human being. He was a strong person and always there for his family and his friends. He wasn’t what they’re saying he was.”

Ahmo was involved in a violent 2021 standoff with guards at the Headingley Correctional Centre, where he was eventually segregated and placed in a restraint chair.

Ahmo was seen by a nurse and began to verbalize to officers he couldn’t breathe. He would repeat this over 20 times.

Ahmo eventually lost consciousness. CPR was performed and he was transported to hospital. He died a week later.

Morden was the officer in charge of the emergency response unit that subdued Ahmo at the provincial jail west of Winnipeg.

Video evidence presented at the trial shows tactical officers taking the inmate to the ground, putting him in shackles, placing a spit hood over his head and sitting him in a restraint chair before he becomes unresponsive. 

Court heard he died from a brain injury stemming from cardiac arrest. 

“Our justice system needs to do better when it coems to situations like this,” said Menow.

“He did not deserve to go this way.”

-With files from the Canadian Press