Alberta’s police watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), is investigating a letter from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) that requested Crown prosecutors to overturn a plea deal in a homicide case. The letter, sent on September 8, 2025, criticized the Crown’s acceptance of Ashley Rattlesnake’s manslaughter plea for the death of eight-year-old Nina Napope Dumais. Rattlesnake was sentenced in February to eight years in prison, with credit for time served reducing it to three years and nine months. Justice Jody Fraser noted the EPS’s actions as a mitigating factor during sentencing. EPS acknowledged the ongoing investigation and expressed a commitment to enhance collaboration with the Crown. The matter was referred to the Police Review Commission, leading to ASIRT’s inquiry, categorized as a Level 1 investigation involving serious police conduct.
Why It Matters
This investigation highlights significant concerns regarding police conduct and the integrity of the justice system in Alberta. The EPS’s actions in attempting to intervene in a plea agreement raise questions about the appropriate boundaries of police influence over prosecutorial decisions. ASIRT’s mandate is to provide independent oversight in serious incidents involving police, ensuring accountability and public trust. The case underscores the importance of maintaining clear roles within the justice system to prevent potential miscarriages of justice.
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