Thunder Bay police board cancels hearing over Stacy DeBungee death investigation

The Thunder Bay Police Services Board says it has had to cancel a hearing scheduled for April 6 to decide whether three officers will face disciplinary proceedings over the investigation into the death of Stacy DeBungee.

The body of the 41-year-old man from Rainy River First Nationwas found in the McIntyre River in the northwestern Ontario city in the fall of 2015

• Thunder Bay police board to decide whether to hold hearings for officers over Stacy DeBungee investigation

In a written release issued Thursday afternoon, the board cited "a procedural matter" for the cancellation of Friday's hearing.

An investigation by Ontario's Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) into DeBungee'scase found grounds for Police Services Act charges of neglect of duty against three officers. Allegations of discreditable conduct against two of the officers are also "substantiated," according to the civilian watchdog.

However, in order for disciplinary proceedings to go forward, provincial regulations state thatbecause the police review director's investigation took more than six months to complete, the police board mustapprove the notices of hearing being served to the officers.

No further details were provided as to why the April6 hearing was cancelled, but the board's statement said that it is "cooperating with all the parties involved to allow the matter to move forward as expeditiously as possible."

Board officials statedthey would make no further comments.

The hearing was scheduled to be held ina closed session.

Indigenous leaders have also called for the removal of Police Chief J.P. Levesque over the DeBungee death investigation. The police board has said it will not ask for Levesque's resignation.

• Thunder Bay Police Services Board will not ask chief J.P. Levesque to resign