Standing Hearing For Inquest Into the Death of William Walter Ahmo

Press Release

November 21, 2025

A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of William Walter Ahmo, 45 of Headingley.

The circumstances of Ahmo’s death were as follows:

On Feb. 7, 2021, Ahmo an inmate at Headingley Correctional Centre, was acting aggressively while on the range. This escalated to violent behaviour, prompting a lockdown. His behaviour continued to escalate, and staff responded with a variety of actions including pepper spray and flashbangs, which were used as a distraction. Eventually, staff entered with the intent of restraining Ahmo and bringing him under control. A prolonged and at times violent interaction between the guards and the decedent ensued. He eventually stopped struggling but was still breathing. He suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest sometime shortly afterward. He was resuscitated and taken to the hospital, where he passed away one week later.

Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths to find out what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.

Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who can participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may apply to be granted standing and participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Kerry Unruh, inquest counsel, at 204-949-1710 or kunruh@dfsku.com by Dec. 1.

The standing hearing will be held on Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 402 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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