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A teenager is now facing an updated charge of manslaughter after a man died from his injuries following an alleged assault last month in Tilbury.
Chatham-Kent Police
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A teenager is now facing an updated charge of manslaughter after a man died from his injuries following an alleged assault last month in Tilbury.
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The man suffered a serious injury during the alleged June 6 attack on Queen and Louise Streets in Tilbury, a community west of Chatham.
The 14-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified under Canada’s juvenile justice law, was arrested by Chatham-Kent police and charged with aggravated assault on June 10.
More than two weeks later, on June 27, the 45-year-old died at the hospital, police said. As a result, the young man was arrested again on Thursday and charged with manslaughter.
The man who died was William Walker Grant, according to court documents. The case will return to the courts on August 15.
Police said in June that a suspect, dressed in dark clothing, fled south on foot to Queen Street in Tilbury after the alleged attack. Police urged residents at the time to submit any details.
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Defendant’s age is unusual for the position, said Western University sociology professor Laura Huey, who focuses on police and criminal justice issues.
“It’s not that it never happens, but it’s still pretty rare,” he said Friday.
There doesn’t seem to be any recent trend in Canada when it comes to young people facing violent charges, Huey said.
“It’s one of those things that happens from time to time,” he said.
The identities of minors facing criminal charges, or convicted by them, are protected by the Juvenile Criminal Justice Act.
Huey said he understands public concerns about protecting the identities of young people charged with serious crimes, but that he is meant to help with rehabilitation efforts.
“The younger (the person), the more likely we are to have a chance to turn it around,” he said.
Anyone with more information about the case is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police. Brad Hyatt at 519 436-6600, ext. 288, or bradh@chatham-kent.ca.