Former high-ranking Mountie facing discipline over letter to Arlene Westervelt's sister
A former B.C. Mountie is facing discipline for communicating with the sister of a woman found dead in Okanagan Lake.
In a news release Thursday, the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner said it has ordered a review by a retired judge into a disciplinary decision against Sgt. Brian Gately, who allegedly disobeyed orders during the investigation into the death of Arlene Westervelt.
In June 2016, Westervelt’s body was found in Lake Okanagan. The day before, the 56-year-old had been out in a canoe with her husband Bert, and the boat capsized. Initially, it was treated as an accident.
In 2019, Arlene’s husband was charged with second-degree murder. But 15 months later, the charge was stayed. The Crown said it had received new evidence that reduced the likelihood of a conviction.
Bert Westervelt has always maintained his innocence.
In an episode of CTV News’ W5 in January 2021, family members of Arlene Westervelt claimed that Gateley was a friend of her husband’s, and accused him of helping Bert Westervelt access her locked phone following her death.
Following the airing of the episode, Gateley, now a member of B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, penned a letter to the deceased’s sister, Debbie Hennig.
Within the letter, which was shared with CTV News by Hennig, Gateley wrote: “The conclusions … the program came to were regrettable and inaccurate and I want to assure you that my actions did not in any way compromise the police investigation into Arlene’s death.”
However, the OPCC notice states that in December 2020, Gateley was told by his supervisors not to have any contact with any witnesses from the investigation.
In June 2021, the OPCC tasked the Vancouver Police Department to investigate the matter.
The OPCC release said Gateley was found to have committed discreditable conduct under the Police Act.
A one-day suspension was recommended, but the commissioner's office says that did not reflect the seriousness of the misconduct.
“In this letter he makes a real lame attempt to put my mind at ease,” Hennig told CTV News. “This letter was all self serving to protect himself.”
Last May, Hennig and her mother filed a lawsuit against Gateley and one other police officer.
They allege there was a move to “shut down” a consideration of homicide in the case.
Gateley denied the allegations in a subsequent statement of defence.
CTV News has reached out to Gateley for comment, but has not received a response.
The OPCC said James Threlfall, a retired provincial court judge, has been assigned to do the review, but that a date has not yet been scheduled.
With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Maria Weisgarber and Kendra Mangione
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Medical investigator rules Baldwin set shooting an accident
The fatal film-set shooting of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin last year was an accident, according to a determination made by New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator following the completion of an autopsy and a review of law enforcement reports. The medical investigator's report was made public Monday by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office along with numerous reports from the FBI on the revolver and ammunition that were collected following the shooting.
Canadians favour metric system despite often using imperial measurements: poll
While many Canadians don’t support moving away from the metric system of measurement, many continue to use imperial measurements in their daily lives, according to a recent online poll.
'We've been abandoned': Man dies in B.C. town waiting for health care near ambulance station
For the second time in less than a month, a resident of Ashcroft, B.C., died while waiting for health care after having a heart attack mere metres from a local ambulance station.
Economists predict a 'mild recession,' but what would that look like in Canada?
With inflation on the rise and central banks poised to increase rates, CTVNews.ca speaks with experts on whether Canada will experience a recession, and if so, what it would look like.
Minister asks Canadians not to fake travel plans to skip passport application lines
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada Karina Gould is discouraging people from making fake travel plans just to skip the line of those waiting for passports.
'I have to fight for myself': Quadriplegic man says N.S. government told him to live in a hospital
A diving accident at 14-years-old left Brian Parker paralyzed from the chest down. Now at age 49, he's without the person who was caring for him full-time until just last week, after his 68-year-old mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Bryce Dallas Howard says she was paid less than Chris Pratt for 'Jurassic World' films
Actress Bryce Dallas Howard said she was paid 'so much less' than her co-star Chris Pratt for their work in the 'Jurassic World' films.
'This is our land': Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs, pipeline opponents rally in Vancouver
Opponents of the Coastal GasLink pipeline currently under construction in Northern B.C took to the streets of Vancouver Monday, briefly blocking north-bound traffic on the Cambie Street Bridge.
'Nightmare without end': Action needed to address rights abuses against Afghan women and girls, advocate says
The international community needs to step up to hold the Taliban accountable for human rights abuses in Afghanistan, a year after the militant Islamist group took control of the country and limited the rights of women and girls, according to Heather Barr, associate director of the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch.
Vancouver Island
-
'Environmental emergency': Fear for B.C.'s endangered orcas after U.S. boat sinks in critical feeding spot
A fishing boat that sank with nearly 10,000 litres of fuel on board near the Canada-U.S. marine border went down in one of the worst possible places for endangered orcas, an ocean pollutants expert says. Peter Ross, a senior scientist with Raincoast Conservation Foundation, said the vessel sank in an important feeding area for endangered southern resident killer whales.
-
Family of murdered Vancouver Island man suing prison officials over inmates' escape
The daughters of a 60-year-old Vancouver Island man who was found dead in his home in 2019 are suing the Correctional Service of Canada, claiming negligent prison officials allowed two men to escape from a minimum-security penitentiary and murder their father.
-
Steven Bacon pleads guilty to 2017 killing of Nanaimo teen
The man accused of killing Nanaimo, B.C., teenager Makayla Chang in 2017 has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Steven Bacon entered the guilty plea in a Nanaimo, B.C., courtroom Monday afternoon.
Calgary
-
Death of 63-year-old woman at Strathmore care home declared a homicide: RCMP
The death of a 63-year-old woman last Friday at a Strathmore care home was a homicide, said Strathmore RCMP in a release issued Monday.
-
Group of Calgary artists to create mural on repurposed downtown office building
A building along Seventh Avenue S.W. will soon be decorated with a large mural.
-
Body of Calgary man recovered from B.C.'s Cultus Lake
An Alberta man drowned over the weekend at a popular lake in British Columbia, Mounties confirmed Monday.
Edmonton
-
Chinatown joint operations hub funded by council, as Edmonton says it waits for provincial support
City council approved a $15.2 million investment to fund a joint dispatch centre in Chinatown, with some hoping the province would help pick up the tab.
-
Edmonton river valley gondola project halted by city council
Edmonton City Council decided to halt the Prairie Sky Gondola project for the time being.
-
Driver charged in crash that killed 2 motorcyclists east of Edmonton
The 29-year-old was charged with two counts of impaired operation causing death, impaired driving and possession of an illegal substance.
Toronto
-
Traveller 'disheartened' to see 'mountains' of bags and lines back at Toronto Pearson
Toronto Pearson International Airport has shown signs of improvements in recent weeks, but a traveller and aviation expert says he was disheartened to see 'mountains' of bags and triple stacked security lines at the airport over the weekend.
-
CNE organizers worry safety inspectors' strike could deter attendance
As the Canadian National Exhibition prepares to return to Toronto this week, organizers say they worry ongoing labour action could deter people from attending the fair and hamper its revival following a two-year hiatus laden with financial setbacks.
-
Airbnb rentals almost as expensive as hotels bookings, new data finds
When Airbnb first launched 14 years ago, it changed the way many people book their vacations as they travel locally and around the world.
Montreal
-
Quebec launches another COVID-19 vaccination campaign for seniors
Quebec health authorities are launching another COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign on Monday, targeting people living in CHSLDs and private seniors' residences (RPAs). The recommended interval between baseline vaccination and a first booster dose is three months or more, while the suggested interval between each subsequent booster dose is five months or more.
-
Researchers note that whales are staying in the St. Lawrence River for less time
Several experts note that the number of whales observed this summer on both sides of the St. Lawrence River is low, even though the observation season is not over.
-
Back-to-school season at Quebec colleges marked by shortage of teachers, support staff
With one week to go before the start of the new school year, the CSQ is concerned that some CEGEPs will be unable to offer certain services and even some courses due to a lack of staff.
Winnipeg
-
Tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings lifted in southern Manitoba
The tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings issued in parts of southern Manitoba Monday evening have ended, though severe thunderstorm watches remain.
-
Lack of candidates in Manitoba municipalities is not healthy, outgoing Winkler mayor says
Southern Manitoba municipalities are gearing up for fall elections, but in areas where the current mayor or reeve is not running, some communities could be short on candidates.
-
Armed and barricaded situation lasted nearly 10 hours, three people charged: police
Three people have been arrested after police officers executed a search warrant, which resulted in an armed and barricaded situation that lasted almost 10 hours.
Saskatoon
-
'There were families on the ground and people were crying': Ex-goer describes bear spray attack
Bear spray incidents at the Saskatoon Ex have prompted Prairieland Park to look at beefing up security measures at the gates.
-
Judge reserves decision in animal abuse case
A judge is reserving decision in an animal abuse case that saw a dog die after being thrown into a metal clothing rack.
-
Missing Sask. mushroom picker found dead
The search for a 74-year-old woman lost in the forest northeast of Smeaton has come to a tragic end.
Regina
-
Province no longer requires SLGA permit from First Nations-owned cannabis retailers
A recent regulatory amendment now allows First Nations to operate on-reserve cannabis stores without a permit from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). However, some First Nations do not think it will change the way current shops already operate.
-
Sask. RCMP report 1 death, 2 injuries after Highway 1 crash near Qu'Appelle
A Regina woman has died following a two vehicle collision near the town of Qu’Appelle on Highway 1.
-
'It was scary': Severe weather wreaks havoc among southern Sask.
Severe thunderstorms brought tennis ball and golf ball sized hail to parts of southern Saskatchewan overnight.
Atlantic
-
N.S. reports increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations for month of July, decrease in deaths
Nova Scotia is reporting a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations for the month of July, while the number of deaths decreased compared to previous months.
-
Saint John Police investigate possible link between missing person and human remains
Rocca said an examination of dental records was being conducted Monday afternoon in hopes of identification.
-
‘I feel positive about the whole thing’: Growing number of Maritimers opting for medical assistance in dying
Five years after it was introduced in Canada, it seems more Canadians are seeking a doctor's assistance in ending their own lives.
London
-
Vehicle crashes into South London cannabis store Monday evening
Multiple emergency crews responded after a vehicle crashed into a One Plant cannabis store in south London Monday evening.
-
'Broken collarbone and road rash': London cyclist describes alleged hit and run
In serious pain, Randy Van Puyenbroeck had trouble sleeping. He was cycling with a group of members from the London Cycling Club on White Oak Road Sunday morning when he and a fellow rider were involved in a crash with a truck.
-
Homicide suspect arrested: London police
Antony Centeno-So, the man wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of Devon Cherrey-Rooke earlier this month, is in the custody of London police Monday.
Northern Ontario
-
Lisa LaFlamme is leaving CTV News
Lisa LaFlamme is leaving CTV News. The network announced today that the Chief Anchor and Senior Editor is departing after more than 30 years with the company.
-
Recycling brings North Bay record profits
Recycling not only benefits the earth, but record prices of certain recyclable products are generating some extra cash for the City of North Bay.
-
Long-time downtown Sudbury businessman running for mayor
A 72-year-old downtown Sudbury businessman has entered the pool of candidates running for mayor in the City of Greater Sudbury, bringing the number of contenders to nine.
Kitchener
-
-
Low volunteer turnout has local non-for-profits feeling the pinch
As staffing shortages affect several sectors across the province, local non-for-profits say they’re facing a shortage of volunteers.
-
Parents call for transparency following WRDSB hack that saw student data accessed
Some parents are calling for the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) to disclose more details about a data hack that saw what the board describes as “certain” student information accessed.
