Judge rules woman charged in security guard's death had insufficient case to answer at trial

Amanda Robyn Ahenakew, 47, will not face trial in the death of George Fernandez, 73, a security guard at Garden Towers in downtown Calgary. Justice Lloyd Robertson ruled last month there was insufficient evidence to send her to trial on a manslaughter charge.

Fernandez died on March 15, 2025, the day after an incident in the apartment building's lobby on March 14. Police had alleged Ahenakew entered the lobby and attempted to steal a package. When Fernandez intervened, the two struggled. Police said at the time charges were laid that Ahenakew pushed Fernandez.

But CCTV footage reviewed at the preliminary inquiry, held earlier this year, told a different story. Defence lawyer Krysia Przepiorka said the video showed Fernandez pulling the package away from Ahenakew, taking a couple of steps backward, and falling, hitting his head on the ground. "An unfortunate accident," Przepiorka said.

Ahenakew is now discharged. "I'm very appreciative that the court took all the time necessary to understand the complexities of the file to come to its decision," her lawyer said.

Fernandez left behind a teenage daughter. His nephew said weeks after his death that his uncle was the glue that held the family together and was like a father figure to his nieces and nephews.