RCMP apologize to Indigenous teen's mom for 'miscommunication' about death investigation
The mother of a 15-year-old girl who died in Duncan, B.C. last week says the RCMP have apologized for how the investigation was initially handled.
Marie Seaweed, says she received a call from The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Friday morning saying there a “miscommunication” on its end. That call came after an initial statement about her daughter Carsyn's death in which the detachment said it was not suspicious.
"When I first seen the initial report of it not being suspicious it was overwhelming,” Seaweed told CTV News.
“I felt like it wasn't fair, my daughter deserved justice,” she continued. “I was so glad that many people were the voice with me to change that.”
The detachment said Thursday that the girl was found in a "semi-conscious state” in the south end of the city off the Trans Canada Highway on May 15.
She was taken to hospital but later died and Mounties said criminality was not suspected in the death.
However Friday, Mounties issued a new statement saying the teenager was found “in a semi-conscious state under suspicious circumstance.”
Carsyn's says mom says police have now assured her the investigation is a top priority.
She says the last week has been extremely difficult.
“It feels like my heart has been broken into a million pieces,” Marie said.
“We always called each other each other's best friends, she took a huge part of me with her when she left.”
Police say they will not be releasing any more information to protect the integrity of the investigation.
On Thursday, Cowichan Tribes said it was sending its condolences to family members of a "15-year-old youth with ties to Cowichan who passed away last week."
The nation is encouraging anyone with information to contact the RCMP and that seeing to the safety of vulnerable members is a priority for the chief and council.
"Too many of our community members have experienced the unspeakable loss of a family member at a young age," Chief Lydia Hwitsum said in a statement. "We need to work together community-wide to combat crime and demand safety by reporting any and all suspicious activities to the RCMP."
Mounties are also encouraging community members to be cautious about rumours and online speculation surrounding the girl's death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
With files from CTV Vancouver Island’s Adam Chan
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.