3 Alberta Sheriffs charged after detainee dies in Edmonton Law Courts holding area

Edmonton Law Courts are shown in Edmonton on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Posted April 17, 2025 3:08 pm.

Three Alberta Sheriffs are facing charges in connection with a man’s death while he was in police custody at the Edmonton courthouse in 2023.

The Edmonton Police Service says the 43-year-old detainee experienced a medical emergency while in the prisoner holding area of the Edmonton Law Courts building on June 16, 2023.

It happened following a sentencing hearing.

Police say paramedics and members of the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services attended, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Edmonton police investigated and are now laying charges.

Sheriff Sgt. Karin Simmons, 52, Sheriff Adam Zasada, 57, and Sheriff Brent Roy, 44, have each been charged with one count of failing to provide the necessaries of life.

All three were released and are expected in court May 30.

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