Headingley Correctional Centre in Manitoba, Canada, is currently in the spotlight as the trial of a correctional officer begins. The officer, Robert Jeffrey Morden, is facing charges of criminal negligence causing death and failure to provide the necessities of life in connection with the tragic death of an inmate, William Ahmo, in 2021. The trial commenced today, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Ahmo’s demise after an altercation and a lengthy standoff at the correctional center.
According to the agreed statement of facts presented in court, Ahmo lost consciousness and had no heartbeat for a distressing 11 minutes. Prompt CPR was performed, eventually restoring his heartbeat; however, he succumbed to his injuries a week later while still in the hospital.
During the trial’s first day, the prosecution called its initial witness, a correctional officer who served as a crisis negotiator during the incident. As gripping videos of the altercation were played in court, emotions ran high. The footage depicted Ahmo becoming agitated and aggressive in a common area of the jail, causing other inmates to retreat to their cells. In what was described as a state of mental distress by the witness, Ahmo proceeded to pull out a hot water tank, tear TV monitors from the wall, and hurl items at the glass window in front of the corrections staff.
The standoff between Ahmo and the authorities lasted for hours until the crisis response unit intervened. Upon their approach, the officers were seen striking Ahmo with batons before handcuffing him and forcing him to the ground. Disturbingly, Ahmo repeatedly exclaimed, I can’t breathe, prompting the officers to ensure his ability to do so. Even when he was upright, he continued to voice his distress, only to eventually go unresponsive, leading to a code red being called.
In a statement released on behalf of Ahmo’s mother, his family expressed their commitment to seeking justice and described him as a loving father, brother, and son. The family referred to his death as a horrible nightmare that has left them numb with pain and heartache. They also emphasized the need for answers, stating that the tragedy has irreversibly altered their lives.
Throughout the trial, multiple videos are expected to be shown, giving further insight into the events that unfolded at Headingley Correctional Centre on that fateful day. The trial is scheduled to continue until September 8, allowing for a thorough examination of the case.
The proceedings will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in revealing the truth behind William Ahmo’s tragic death. As the trial progresses, it is hoped that justice will prevail and provide closure to Ahmo’s family, who have had to endure an unimaginable loss.
