The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has laid charges against three Alberta Sheriffs in connection to the sudden death of a man in custody at the Edmonton Law Courts in June 2023.
On June 16, 2023, EPS launched an investigation after a 43-year-old man died in the secure detainee holding area of the Court of King’s Bench, shortly after being taken into custody by Alberta Sheriffs following a sentencing hearing. According to police, the man suffered a medical emergency while in the prisoner holding area. Emergency Medical Services and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead on site.
Following a lengthy investigation, the EPS Investigative Response Team has charged three Alberta Sheriffs with one count each of failing to provide the necessaries of life. The accused are identified as Sheriff Sgt. Karin Simmons, 52, Sheriff Adam Zasada, 57, and Sheriff Brent Roy, 44.
All three individuals have been released on Appearance Notices and are scheduled to appear in court on May 30, 2025.
Police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the charges, citing the ongoing nature of the judicial process.
