THUNDER BAY — An 84-year-old woman charged with manslaughter in the death of a fellow resident in a long-term care facility will undergo an assessment to determine if she is fit to stand trial.
A fitness assessment has been ordered for Harriet Gray, who was first charged in August 2022 with manslaughter in connection to the death of a 91-year-old resident at the Bethammi Long-Term Care Home.
The assessment on Gray was to be heard in a Thunder Bay Courtroom on Monday, but during a hearing on Friday, the court was informed that the physician requires more time to complete the report. The matter will return on Aug. 25 for the report to be shared with the court.
The charges relate to an incident dating back to May 18, 2022 when the male resident was seriously injured in a fall following an altercation with Gray. The man died as a result of his injuries on May 24, 2022.
Investigators with the Thunder Bay Police Service said at the time that it was an unusual case with unique challenges.
Following the investigation, police determined there was enough evidence to lay the manslaughter charge against Gray.
The president of St. Joseph’s Care Group, which operates the Bethammi Long-Term Care Home, said at the time that there is a zero-tolerance policy for violence inside their residences and an investigation would be launched to identify any improvements within its long-term care homes relating to the safety of residents and staff.
