Deputy Opposition Leader Jeff Bereza says he was alarmed to learn that James Hilton, the man accused in the death of Portage resident Kellie Verwey, had been released to an unsupervised treatment facility before disappearing. Bereza says he was notified of Hilton’s release late last week and was surprised that tighter monitoring was not in place given Hilton’s history.
“I received a phone call that I never thought I would have to get,” notes Bereza.
Hilton, who faces charges including dangerous driving causing death, was released Friday and failed to remain at the facility the following day. Bereza points out that while ankle monitoring bracelets are promoted as safeguards to track high-risk offenders, Hilton was not wearing one. He says the case raises troubling questions about how offenders with repeated breaches are supervised.
Meeting with justice officials
Bereza says he met with Manitoba’s justice minister to ask if police had eyes on Hilton and whether a warrant was being pursued.
“We have the ability as Manitoba to make a difference here,” says Bereza.
He adds that while national conversations continue around bail reform, there needs to be clear accountability to prevent situations where high-risk individuals can walk away from supervision.
Remembering the victim
Verwey’s family was present during a press conference earlier in the week. Bereza says their courage is a reminder of why stronger safeguards are needed to protect communities and ensure families see justice served.
“Until we do something about our justice system and make sure that people like James Hilton are prosecuted and are put in jail for a long period of time so that this doesn’t happen to another family,” continues Bereza.
Hilton back in custody
RCMP confirmed Hilton was arrested in Winnipeg at about 4 p.m. Tuesday without incident. He is now back in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
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