14-year-old boy charged with manslaughter after 45-year-old man died of injuries

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A teenager is now facing an enhanced manslaughter charge after a man died from his injuries following an alleged assault last month in Tilbury.

Chatham-Kent Police

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A teenager is now facing an enhanced manslaughter charge after a man died from his injuries following an alleged assault last month in Tilbury.

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The man was seriously injured in the alleged attack on June 6 at Queen and Louise streets in Tilbury, a community west of Chatham.

The 14-year-old accused, who cannot be identified under Canada’s Youth Justice Act, was arrested by Chatham-Kent police and charged with aggravated assault on June 10.

More than two weeks later, on June 27, the 45-year-old man died in hospital, police said. As a result, the young man was arrested again on Thursday and charged with manslaughter.

The deceased was William Walker Grant, court documents show. The case is due back in court on August 15.

In June, police said a suspect wearing dark clothing fled south on foot on Queen Street in Tilbury after the alleged assault. Residents at the time were urged by police to report details.

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The age of the accused is unusual for such a charge, said Western University sociology professor Laura Huey, who focuses on policing and criminal justice issues.

“It’s not like it never happens, but it’s still pretty rare,” she said Friday.

There doesn’t appear to be any recent trend in Canada in terms of young people facing violent charges, Huey said.

“It’s one of those things that just happens every now and then,” she said.

The identity of minors facing or convicted of criminal charges is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Huey said he understands the public’s concerns about hiding the identities of young people charged with serious crimes, but it’s meant to help with rehabilitation efforts.

“The younger (the person) is, the more likely we are to have a chance to turn them around,” she said.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Chatham-Kent Police. Brad Hyatt at 519 436-6600, ext. 288 or bradh@chatham-kent.ca.