Alberta defence lawyers call for probe into Edmonton police chief over manslaughter case comments

A group representing criminal defence lawyers in Alberta is calling for an independent investigation into Warren Driechel and the Edmonton Police Service’s top lawyer, Megan Hankowich, over public comments tied to a recent manslaughter case.

The Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association says the statements may warrant a third-party review to determine whether any criminal conduct occurred. The group is asking Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery to direct the province’s Police Review Commission to assess whether there are grounds for charges, including intimidation or obstruction of justice.

According to the association, the concerns stem from remarks made by police last fall regarding a proposed sentencing resolution in the case. Police had suggested prosecutors were prepared to accept a penalty they viewed as too lenient and indicated they might release additional case details publicly to support that position.

No agreement was ultimately reached. In February, an Edmonton judge sentenced Ashley Rattlesnake to eight years in prison in the death of eight-year-old Nina Napope. In delivering the sentence, the judge described the police commentary surrounding the case as “reprehensible.”