Statement on Behalf of a Client
For immediate release: October 25, 2022
The following statement is made on behalf of Melvin Fletcher Jr. and Melissa Fletcher:
"This morning in the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances, former nurse Lindsey Coyle was expected to see a date set for her sentencing. Coyle was charged in August 2019 with the second-degree murder of Hermina Fletcher, a patient in her care.
"Today’s appearance follows an August 29, 2022 court appearance, where Ms. Coyle pleaded guilty to the offences of criminal negligence causing death and one breach of a bail condition. Today’s appearance was selected during the August 29 appearance so that sentencing could be scheduled in a timely fashion.
"Today the Crown informed the court that Ms. Coyle’s pre-sentence report remains outstanding. As such, the Crown and defence requested that the scheduling of sentencing be adjourned to November 29, 2022. If scheduling occurs on that date, it is presently expected that Ms. Coyle’s sentencing will take place in the new year.
"January 4, 2023 will mark 8 years since Coyle killed Fletcher while Fletcher was undergoing care at Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Coyle has lived freely in the community for most of that time, despite being charged with second-degree murder and other serious offences related to the theft of medication and forgery of medical records.
"Fletcher’s surviving family members and her estate have commenced a civil proceeding against Riverside and Coyle. The family remains concerned that the pre-sentence report may be used by the Crown and defence to justify an agreed-upon light sentence for Coyle's heinous crimes.
"It must not be forgotten that Coyle was medical professional in a position of trust and authority, caring for a powerless and vulnerable patient. The agreed facts of her crimes, read in court on the date of her plea, have deeply disturbed the community."
Questions and requests will only be addressed through the contact identified below.
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Further Information:
Contact:
Douglas W. Judson
Email: doug@judsonhowie.ca
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