ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Ten correctional officers cleared by a provincial court judge in the death of an inmate at a St. John’s, N.L., jail are suing the provincial government.
The statement of claim filed July 15 in provincial Supreme Court alleges the province’s director of public prosecutions didn’t disclose evidence exonerating the guards in a timely fashion.
The document also claims the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, which the province oversees, was negligent in its investigation of the death.
The suit alleges a botched investigation and resulting charges caused the officers pain, anguish and mental health issues and limited their employment opportunities.
Jonathan Henoche was 33 when he died at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s on Nov. 6, 2019.
Ten correctional officers at the facility were charged with crimes including manslaughter, but those charges were ultimately withdrawn or dismissed during a preliminary inquiry.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2022.
