deadmonton 2006 - other police matters
death on the tracks - part two
The family of 17-year-old Anthony Marino Gladue, whose body was found next to northside railway tracks on April 26th, 2006, is demanding a new investigation into his death.
Mary Auger was not convinced that her foster child son slipped trying to get on a train or committed suicide. Police ruled Gladue's death non-criminal at the time.
"I don't believe he was hit by a train. I don't believe he would do that to himself," 39-year-old Auger told the Edmonton Sun on June 30th, 2006.
Gladue's aunt Jane Chowace was writing a report detailing the family's unanswered questions. She believed the truth had been covered up.
"My nephew died a violent death of some kind. We've got to find out what happened to him," said Chowace.
"We want an inquiry - a new medical examiner, a new police investigation and we want the body exhumed."
Police said a Canadian National Railway worker came across Gladue's body near the overpass at 82 Street and Yellowhead Trail. He appeared to have been struck by a train but at the time CN didn't know which train hit Gladue. CN had no reports of collisions with pedestrians.
The medical examiner's office concluded Gladue died of head trauma. Toxicology tests were conducted but no firm ruling could be made on whether he committed suicide.
Auger and Chowace also said they didn't find out that Gladue had died until a week after his body was found. A social worker broke the news to one of Auger's sisters. The family was not allowed to see Gladue's body before he was buried.
Gladue had been in foster care since he and his siblings were taken away from Auger on January 13th, 2000.
Chowace said she planned to deliver her report to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Pearl Calahasen and Children's Services Minister Heather Forsyth.
Chowace also wanted to help organise a memorial event for all children who have died in foster care.