Amanda Robyn Ahenakew, the 47-year-old Calgary woman charged with manslaughter in the death of security guard George Fernandez, will not learn until at least August whether she will be ordered to stand trial. Defence lawyer Krysia Przepiorka told Justice Lloyd Robertson on Monday that she and co-counsel Erica Gouchie are not prepared to make submissions on whether Crown prosecutor Jack Kelly has established sufficient evidence to send the case to Court of King's Bench.
Preliminary Inquiry Adjourned
Robertson heard submissions from Kelly on Monday at the conclusion of evidence in Ahenakew's two-day preliminary inquiry. Przepiorka told the Calgary Court of Justice judge that the parties can return on Aug. 11, when the defence will argue against committal to stand trial. However, due to computer issues, that date must be confirmed on Tuesday.
Ahenakew is charged with manslaughter in connection with the March 14, 2025, death of 73-year-old George Fernandez. Police said officers were called to the 900 block of 7th Avenue S.W. around 8 a.m. on March 13, 2025, where they found Fernandez in medical distress. He was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition and died the next day.
Details of the Incident
After reviewing CCTV footage, police indicated they believed a woman entered the building earlier that morning to take packages left in the lobby and Fernandez intervened. During the ensuing altercation, Fernandez fell to the ground and hit his head, police said. Ahenakew also faced a charge of break-and-enter to commit theft in connection with the same incident, but Kelly did not seek committal to stand trial on that allegation.
The prosecutor called four witnesses over the course of Ahenakew's preliminary hearing, which began last Friday. At the request of Przepiorka and Gouchie, Robertson ordered a publication ban on the evidence presented by Kelly.
Bail and Conditions
Ahenakew, who was initially detained following her arrest, is currently free on bail, under a condition that she attend a treatment facility. The case has drawn attention to the safety of security guards in Calgary, with Fernandez's death highlighting risks faced by those in the profession.
The next court date is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday, with the defence's submissions on committal scheduled for Aug. 11. Until then, Ahenakew remains out of custody under her bail conditions.
