Inquest starts in death of Indigenous teen found near Hamilton group home

A coroner’s inquest examining the death of an Indigenous teenager whose body was discovered near a group home in Hamilton has begun.

Devon Freeman was 16 when he was reported missing from the Lynwood Charlton Centre in Flamborough in October 2017.

His body was found near the home over six months later.

READ MORE: Police locate body of missing Hamilton teen

His grandmother, Pamela Freeman, spoke at the inquest Monday morning. She held back tears as she talked about her grandson, recalling his love for cars and trucks and his interest in space and the planets.

Pamela Freeman, who is a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, said her grandson’s death has left her suffering with “sorrow and pain,” as well as nightmares.

The coroner’s counsel, Brett Moodie, says the inquest will explore the circumstances surrounding Devon Freeman’s death, and systemic issues that contributed to his death, including public policy and legal issues related to Indigenous children and youth in the child welfare system.