Justice Minister Lena Metlege Diab today, April 16, accepted the findings of two independent reviews into the death of Cape Breton teenager Clayton Miller almost 25 years ago.
Nova Scotia Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Matt Bowes concluded in his review there is no evidence to warrant re-opening the investigation into the death of the 17-year-old, who died after police responded to an outdoor drinking party in New Waterford on May 4, 1990.
Ronald MacDonald, director of Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team, found no evidence of police wrongdoing in Mr. Miller’s death.
Both reviews, which examined information brought forward by a former nurse, found no evidence of foul play or that police were responsible for his death.
Dr. Bowes launched his review, at the minister’s request, on Sept. 19, 2014, after nurse Kathleen Dwyer raised questions about the original autopsy results.
SiRT launched its review of the police handling of the case after a complaint received in October 2014.
“I thank Dr. Bowes and Mr. MacDonald for their work,” said Ms. Diab. “This is the most objective and exhaustive review that has been done on this case. It is the first time both forensic and investigative expertise have come together to review this file.
“It is clear from these reviews that this was a tragic, heartbreaking accident. I know today is a difficult day for the Miller family and my thoughts are with them.”
Dr. Bowes’s report can be found at novascotia.ca/just/publications/docs/Miller_Report_2015.pdf .
Source: Release