Manslaughter charge dropped for Calgary woman in security guard's death
Justice Lloyd Robertson ruled insufficient evidence to proceed to trial in March 2025 incident at downtown Garden Towers apartment building.
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A Calgary judge has discharged Amanda Robyn Ahenakew, 47, in the death of George Fernandez, a 73-year-old security guard who died after an altercation at Garden Towers apartment building in downtown Calgary last March.
Justice Lloyd Robertson presided over a preliminary inquiry and ruled last month there was not enough evidence to proceed to trial. Ahenakew will not face charges.
Fernandez died in hospital the day after the March 14, 2025 incident. According to Calgary Police Service allegations and CCTV footage, Ahenakew attempted to steal a package from the building's lobby, and Fernandez intervened. During the struggle over the package, Fernandez fell backward, hit his head on the ground, and subsequently died.
Ahenakew's defence lawyer Krysia Przepiorka called it "an unfortunate accident" and said she was "very appreciative that the court took all the time necessary to understand the complexities of the file to come to its decision."
Fernandez left behind a teenage daughter, nieces and nephews. His nephew said that Fernandez was "the glue that held the family together" and a father figure to many in the family.
What circumstances led to Robertson's ruling that evidence was insufficient?
What does Fernandez's family say about the outcome?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who was the security guard who died?
George Fernandez, 73, a security guard at Garden Towers apartment building in downtown Calgary, died in hospital the day after an altercation on March 14, 2025.
What happened during the incident at Garden Towers?
Amanda Robyn Ahenakew attempted to steal a package from the building's lobby, and when Fernandez intervened, he fell backward during the struggle, hit his head on the ground, and subsequently died.
