Crown prosecutors have ended their case against three Alberta sheriffs charged in connection with a man's death in custody at the Edmonton courthouse, concluding the available evidence does not meet the threshold for prosecution.
The charges against sheriffs Adam Zasada, Brent Roy, and Karin Simmons were formally withdrawn Friday in Court of King's Bench, nearly three years after Trevor Jason Freeman, 43, died during a medical emergency in a detainee holding area on June 16, 2023.
Freeman had just been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter with a firearm when the incident occurred.
Investigation and Charges
An Edmonton Police Service investigation concluded in April 2025, leading to charges of failing to provide the necessaries of life against the three sheriffs. However, following a Crown review of the case file and available evidence, prosecutors determined the case could not proceed.
"That review resulted in the determination that the available admissible evidence did not meet the standard for prosecution," said Alberta Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson Michelle Davio.
What This Means
The withdrawal marks the end of legal action related to Freeman's death, which had raised questions about custodial care protocols and emergency response procedures within Alberta's courthouse detention system. The case had drawn scrutiny from advocates concerned with prisoner welfare and detention facility standards across the province.
The decision underscores ongoing debates about accountability and liability in custody-related deaths, a sensitive issue in Alberta's justice system.
This story is based on reporting from the Edmonton Journal.