Inquest into disappearance and death of Devon Freeman in Hamilton underway
Published September 26, 2022 at 9:21 am
The inquest into the death of Devon Freeman begins Monday, more than four years after the missing 16-year-old was found hanging from a tree behind the Lynwood Charlton Centre in Flamborough.
Freeman had been reported missing from the group home in Oct. 2017 — six months before his body was found 35-metres away from the home.
He was in the care of the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton.
His grandmother, Pamela Freeman, and his First Nation, the Chippewas of Georgina Island, requested an inquest into the events leading up to and surrounding Devon’s death.
“My hope for Devon was always to find ways to show him how incredible he actually could be,” Pamela said. “He needed a vision and to get there would give him a sense of purpose.”
“The loss of his mom at such a young age created so much unresolved healing. May his legacy be one of hope so that not one more child will end their story way too soon.”
Videos
The inquest will begins Monday on Georgina Island. Pamela, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, and Dr. Barbara Fallon will be the Inquest’s first witnesses.
An opening and closing ceremony will also take place on Georgina Island.
The inquest is open to the public and is available to stream online.
According to Clarke Child & Family Law, the jury will hear from nearly 30 witnesses, some of whom were part of Devon’s care team leading up to his disappearance.
“The jury will also hear from witnesses who will speak to the critical systemic changes necessary to protect children and youth like Devon from slipping through the cracks,” according to the law firm.
The inquest will conclude on Oct. 21, 2022.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising