Tragic Incident Unfolds in Thunder Bay
In a heartbreaking case that has gripped the community of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has concluded its investigation into the death of 21-year-old Jenna Ostberg, a member of Bearskin Lake First Nation. Ostberg was found deceased in her boyfriend's bedroom closet on December 30, 2023, just hours after a domestic disturbance call was made to the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS). The call, placed around 2 a.m., reported an argument between Ostberg and her boyfriend, with the caller requesting her removal from the home due to a no-contact order stemming from a prior domestic assault incident in July 2023.
According to the SIU report released on July 14, the officer dispatched to the scene canceled the call, determining it did not require immediate action. Tragically, this decision preceded the discovery of Ostberg's body later that day. The family's grief has been compounded by questions about the handling of the initial call and whether a different response could have altered the outcome.
SIU Findings and Community Reaction
The SIU, tasked with investigating police conduct in incidents involving death or serious injury, found no grounds for criminal charges against the Thunder Bay police officer involved. The report detailed the sequence of events, noting that while the officer's decision to cancel the call was within protocol based on the information available at the time, it has raised significant concerns among Ostberg's family and advocates. The family has expressed disappointment, stating that 'justice hasn't been served' in the wake of the SIU's findings.
Community leaders and First Nations advocates have echoed these sentiments, pointing to broader systemic issues within the Thunder Bay Police Service. Posts on social media platforms have highlighted frustration and anger over perceived neglect, with some calling for systemic reform to address how domestic disturbance calls are prioritized and handled, especially involving vulnerable individuals.
This case has reignited discussions about police accountability and the safety of Indigenous women in Thunder Bay, a city that has faced scrutiny over past handling of similar cases. The family's ongoing quest for answers continues as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic loss.