Guy Mitchell Inquest

[projekktor id=’20113′]

The jury has heard all of the evidence at the inquest in the death of Guy Mitchell, a 38 year old special needs man who drowned in a water tank located near the home where he lived.

Over the 12 days of this inquest there have been revelations of big cracks in the system and a failure on the part of those whose job it was to look after Mitchell. The inquest heard how many workers involved were confused on who to call to report neglect of a special needs adult.

For nearly 3 decades Guy Mitchell lived at a home on Jersyville Road in Ancaster. He had the mental capacity of a 5 year old and it was there that he was supposed to be looked after.

He died on April 29th, 2012 after falling into this water tank on the property where he lived. Police believe that he had been told to retrieve some water, and fell inside.

During the inquest, jury members were made aware of the conditions of the home where Guy lived. Police say that when they entered the home, it was unlivable. No running water or heat, toilets overflowing with human waste, and soiled clothing covering the floors. Guy, along with another special needs adult and an 11 year old girl with autism were all housed there under the care of 26 year old Keri-Lynne Santor.

But what may be most disturbing, and what is at issue with this inquest, is that the neglect which Guy experienced fell through the cracks of the system.

As far back as the summer of 2011, a call was made to the agency responsible for Mitchells care called “Choices.” William Santor, brother of Keri-Lynne, was concerned with the conditions Guy was living under. Nothing happened. In the fall of 2011 concerned neighbours called Childrens Aid about an open well on the property.

In April 2012 William Santor called Childrens Aid to report neglect. He also sent images of the house with clothing, open alcohol containers and overflowing ash trays covering the floor. On April 27th Childrens Aid decided to launch a formal investigation. On that same day a case worker from “Choices” visited the home, and gave it a passing grade.

Two days later Guy Mitchell was dead. After the jury is given their final instructions, they will make recommendations in the hopes of preventing further tragedies like this one from happening again.