More than a year after daughter’s death in Thunder Bay, Ont., family seeks answers from SIU, police
The family of Jenna Ostberg has been eagerly awaiting the release of the Ontario Special Investigations Unit’s report on the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. Jenna, a 21-year-old member of Bearskin Lake First Nation, passed away in Thunder Bay on December 30, 2023. The SIU revealed that it took three calls to 911 before police responded to the residence on Ray Boulevard where Jenna was found deceased.
Kristy Denette, a spokesperson for the SIU, mentioned that the case is still under the director’s review and that a news release will be issued once a decision is made. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates incidents involving police conduct that may have led to death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm.
Jenna’s mother, Melanie Beardy, expressed her frustration at the prolonged wait for closure, stating that every week they hope to hear news from the authorities but are left disappointed. The initial 911 call made on the night of Jenna’s death was not related to violence in the home, as confirmed by the SIU.
The Thunder Bay Police Service has refrained from commenting on the case until the SIU’s investigation is complete. Matt Vis, a spokesperson for the police force, emphasized their collaboration with the coroner’s office during the investigation. Additionally, Ontario’s inspector general of policing is currently evaluating the Thunder Bay Police Service’s handling of death and missing-person cases following complaints from Jenna’s family and others.
The SIU aims to complete its investigations within 120 days, but in northern Ontario, response times are longer, averaging six hours and four minutes. The unit prioritizes thoroughness over speed in its investigations, with only a small percentage of cases resulting in criminal charges against officers.
Jenna’s family is eagerly awaiting access to the coroner’s report and autopsy results, which are currently unavailable due to the ongoing investigations. They are set to meet with Ontario’s inspector general of policing, Ryan Teschner, to discuss their concerns about the Thunder Bay Police Service.
Vincent Ostberg, Jenna’s father, emphasized the need for closure and highlighted the importance of culturally-appropriate policing services in Thunder Bay. He called for increased training for officers to better understand the experiences and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.
Despite the pain of their loss, Jenna’s family fondly remembers her as a talented artist and musician with a strong determination to her character. They hope that the upcoming meeting with the inspector general will bring them the closure they desperately seek.
