A Bearskin Lake First Nation family is reacting following a Special Investigation Unit’s Director’s Report concluding that police were not at fault in their daughter’s death.
On Tuesday, the SIU concluded its investigation, determining there was no wrongdoing on the Thunder Bay Police Services’ behalf.
On December 30, 2023, Thunder Bay’s city police received a call for assistance via 911 regarding a domestic incident.
Roughly 20 minutes later, a second call was received highlighting that officers were no longer needed.
Later that same day, officers received another call about the death of Jenna Ostberg.
The 18-month-long investigation determined there was no basis for proceeding with criminal charges against the officers involved with the case.
On Thursday, Ostberg’s parents released a statement in response to the SIU’s findings.
“We continue to live with the reality that Jenna is no longer here and will never be here again. We have waited for this report since the SIU first became involved in this matter in January 2024, more than 18 months ago,” said Melanie Beardy and Vincent Ostberg. “This long wait has been incredibly difficult for our family.”
“As the police service responsible for protecting First Nations people in Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Police Service has given us no reason to feel relief, closure, or trust. We have no confidence in their ability to properly investigate deaths or ensure the safety of First Nations people. We will continue to fight for our daughter to have her voice be heard now that she cannot speak for herself.”
The family has retained the law firm Falconers LLP to assist with the matter.
“The family believes that more time is needed to study the SIU’s report and consider their next steps,” said lawyer Julian Falconers. “Jenna’s family remains convinced that had the Thunder Bay Police Service responded to the first 911 call and followed their policy, Jenna would be alive today.”
“We will continue to support Jenna’s family while they consider their options and look to ensure that all parties who potentially had a role in Jenna’s death will be held accountable.”
The family is reviewing the report and is considering legal options, said the statement.
Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay Police Service is starting an administrative review into the situation to look at officers’ conduct, the policing provided, and procedures as they relate to the incident.
This review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board when it is complete.
