NAN leader says it's too early to rule out foul play in death of area teen

Ruling out foul play in the death of Jordan Wabasse is premature, says a First Nation leader.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose said the time between the discovery of the teen’s body and the conclusion of the post-mortem examination was too short to make definitive conclusions. The body of the15-year-old Webquie First Nations teen was found Tuesday evening and a post-mortem on the body concluded Wednesday.

"I thought it was very premature for them to rule out foul play," Waboose said Friday.
And with toxicology reports still weeks away, Waboose said there isn’t enough evidence yet to make a decision.

"I’m not sure how thorough the scene was investigated or looked at," he added.

But Thunder Bay Police Services Insp. Andy Hay said police and volunteers conducted an exhaustive investigation before making the call. The post-mortem examination showed no physical injuries to Jordan.

Hay said the term ruling out foul play is somewhat misleading because new evidence could always come up and police would investigate.

"This investigation will always be set to be reopened any time there’s any information that comes forward," he said.

Hay added that he understands that there are rumours in the community surrounding the events that led up to Wabasse being discovered in the Kaministiquia River, but there has been no evidence to suggest foul play.

"The unfortunate part is from the time Jordan got off the bus until he ended up in the river we do not know what happened between that period of time. The reality is we may never know that" he said. "As difficult as it is for the community and the family, those answers may never come forward."

A funeral service for Jordan will be held Saturday.