WINNIPEG — The lawyer for a Winnipeg musician who is accused of letting his 90-year-old mother die after she fell out of bed last month says his client is devastated.
Mike Cook says Ron Siwicki is a kind man who was complying with his mother’s wishes.
Cook says Siwicki kept his mother comfortable with energy drinks for several days until she died.
Siwicki, 62, has been in custody since his arrest on Dec. 17. He has been charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life.
Investigators say Betty Siwicki stumbled inside the Winnipeg home where she lived with her son in late November. She was unable to get up on her own, investigators claim, and her son allegedly failed to seek medical attention.
“She did not want help, or for him to call for assistance. He complied with her wishes,” Cook said.
Siwicki has worked for years as a professional musician at local clubs and events and has no prior criminal record.
Cook says police custody is the “worst possible place” for Siwicki since he is grieving surrounded by strangers.
Cook expressed surprise that police and the Crown did not consent to releasing the accused from custody after his arrest.
“Winnipeg has been his home all his life. He is a decent, hard-working man with much support in the community,” said Cook.
“He should be at home grieving with his family and not detained in the [Winnipeg] Remand Centre.”
A neighbour, Ruth Melnyk, said the Siwicki family has lived in the house for more than 50 years.
Betty Siwicki’s husband died many years ago, Melnyk said.
“[The son] was always very nice with her. He took her places, and they went to the casino together.”
Siwicki’s bail hearing is scheduled for this afternoon.
Source:: National Post
