The ASIRT investigation focuses on the Sept. 8, 2025 letter sent by EPS to a senior ACPS official in relation to the prosecution of Ashley Rattlesnake, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of eight-year-old Nina Napope Dumais. In sentencing Rattlesnake to eight years on Feb. 27, 2026, Justice Jody Fraser identified potential misconduct associated with the letter.
ASIRT, a branch of the Police Review Commission (PRC), is announcing the investigation following completion of the procedural steps required to initiate the matter.
On June 5, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis referred the matter to the PRC, leaving any decision on further action to the discretion of the PRC.
The then-acting CEO of the PRC initiated a complaint under Sec. 42.1 of the Police Act, categorized the matter as a Level 1 complaint, and directed ASIRT to investigate. Level 1 matters include incidents involving serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations involving police conduct.
“ASIRT’s role is to provide independent oversight when serious or sensitive questions arise about police conduct. This investigation will be conducted carefully, fairly and without predetermined conclusions,” said Matthew Block, ASIRT’s acting executive director. “Our responsibility is to follow the evidence, assess the matter within our mandate and provide the public with confidence that the process is independent.”
The categorization of a complaint and the opening of an investigation are not findings of misconduct. ASIRT will not comment on evidence or potential outcomes while the investigation is ongoing.
This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Police Review Commission.