The family of a woman who died in hospital is speaking out after a former nurse pled guilty in Fort Frances court on Monday to criminal negligence causing death.
Lindsay Coyle had been initially charged in 2019 with second-degree murder following a lengthy investigation into the 2015 death of Hermina Fletcher at LaVerendrye Hospital.
Court was told that Coyle, a nurse at the time, had changed Fletcher’s medical records in order to take morphine for her own use.
She later admitted to the theft to hospital officials and was subsequently fired.
A police investigation would lead to the charges that also included theft, uttering forged documents and breach of trust.
All those charges have been dropped.
Fletcher’s family is now concerned the conviction may not lead to a sentence that reflects the nature of what happened.
“In light of what we heard today in court, we remain fearful that this conviction may not result in a sentence that reflects the gravity of what has happened,” state family members in a release issued through their lawyer Douglas Judson. “Not only would a light sentence be upsetting to our family and the suffering of our late mother and grandmother, but it would also disrespect all victims of elder abuse and all those who have been victimized or taken advantage of while undergoing medical treatment.”
They plan to submit victim impact statements they hope will assist the court in sentencing.
A date to set sentencing is scheduled for late October.
Fletcher’s family has also filed a civil suit against Coyle and Riverside Health Care Facilities.
That case has not yet gone to trial.
