Winnipeg officer facing charges, accused of taking photo of woman’s dead body

A veteran Winnipeg police officer first arrested last year is facing new criminal charges, including causing an indignity to human remains.

Police say Const. Elston Bostock was on duty when he responded to a sudden death in May 2021. While at the scene, it’s alleged he took a photo of a dead woman, who was partially clothed, and sent it to another officer. 

Chief Gene Bowers said he spoke with the woman’s family this week, along with Deputy Chief of Investigative Services Cam Mackid.

“We wanted to apologize for the actions that took place and express our dismay,” Bowers told reporters on Thursday. 

Bostock was arrested last November and charged with breach of trust, being unlawfully in a dwelling house, obstructing a police officer and obstruction of justice. Police at the time provided little information on what led to those charges. 

The investigation continued and evidence was found evidence for additional charges, including drug trafficking, police said.

They said officers found amphetamines, cocaine and psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, in Bostock’s home. 

The force takes the allegations seriously, said Bowers.

“We understand the damage this does to public trust, trust which must be earned every day and that is what we intend to do.”

Police said Bostock has been detained in custody.