October 23, 2009

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO END OF CROWN PROCEEDINGS AGAINST KYLE UNGER
Following a detailed review, the Crown has brought homicide proceedings against Kyle Unger to an end and he has been acquitted of all charges related to the murder of Brigitte Grenier.

“The process that was followed was recommended after the Driskell Inquiry,” said Attorney General Dave Chomiak. “The Crown brought the case to court and called no evidence, bringing it to a conclusion.”

A re-investigation by the RCMP using today’s scientific expertise and current prosecutorial standards led the Crown to conclude Unger should not be retried. Hair evidence at the trial, which was scientifically accepted at the time, has been disproved by DNA testing and the jailhouse informant used at the time would not be asked to testify using today’s standards.

The province has determined that no further inquiry is needed.

“The causes of wrongful convictions have been exhaustively explored in two recent Manitoba inquires into cases of about the same vintage. We also have the benefit of inquiries in other provinces into these issues. Together, they have resulted in substantial changes in the way evidence is now gathered, weighed, disclosed and presented in court,” said Chomiak.

Based on external legal advice, compensation in this case was deemed to be inappropriate as it was Unger’s confession to undercover officers that caused the charges to proceed to trial and conviction.