Bail reform plan coming 'within weeks' – Winnipeg Free Press

The Department of Justice will soon unveil a plan to reform the bail system, Manitoba's justice minister said after five people accused of murder have been released.

Ryan Howard Manoakeisik, 29, was charged Monday with five counts of first-degree murder, killing his three young children, his common-law wife and his niece at three separate locations in southern Manitoba.

Friends identified the victims as his partner Amanda Clearwater, 30, their three children – two-month-old Isabella, four-year-old Jayven and six-year-old Bethany – and Clearwater's 17-year-old niece Maya Gratton.

The victims and suspects shared a home in Carman, about 75 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg.

Manoakesik has a limited criminal record, with a 2019 conviction for criminal damage to property under $5,000. The court heard he was under the influence of methamphetamine and was “confused and delirious”.

Two counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm from 2021 are still pending. Manoakeesick's car collided with a passenger van carrying nine people on Highway 3 east of Carman on September 11 of that year.

Manoakesik was arrested and released on a summons. His case went to trial last August, but a warrant was issued for Manoakeesik's arrest in April after his lawyer reported that he had lost contact with him.

The wanted man was arrested on July 14 and released on bail four days later, despite the Crown Prosecution Service's objections.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe would not comment on the circumstances of the killing or Manoakesik's release on bail in July, saying he did not know all the details of the situation, but said his government would “prioritize bail reform”.

“We've had good proposals from the National Police Federation (RCMP union) on bail reform, some of which I believe will make a significant difference in the province,” Wiebe said. Free press Tuesday.

“We will take the steps we can within our control while continuing to push the feds to move their feet on this important issue.”

The granting of bail is governed by guidelines set forth in the federal Penal Code, and decisions are made by judges independent of political affiliation.

According to the Criminal Code, there are three grounds for denying an accused person bail: to ensure that they appear in court, if the accused is more likely to commit another crime when released, to protect the public and to maintain trust. in the implementation of justice.

Wiebe pledged before the fall election to address problems with the bail system by supporting the NDP to improve data sharing between law enforcement agencies, spend on rural broadband to improve bail monitoring and introduce standard qualifications for those conducting bail hearings.

The minister said the government would announce the details of its plan within “weeks”.

“Not only to deliver the plan, but to start making some critical changes right now,” Wiebe said.

He said the province is working on enforcement of the pledge and supervision within the community, and said the new government has held talks with officials from municipalities across the province who have expressed concerns about the issue.

“We want to work with them, we want to work with partners (Association of Manitoba Municipalities), we want to work with law enforcement partners, we want to work with our justice system to ensure the right level of supervision for those on bail. Wiebe said.

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Eric Pindera
Reporter

Eric Pindera reports to the City Office with a focus on crime and justice.

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