Mississauga mother fights for justice, 3 years on
Peel police dropped charges against suspects a year after son’s death
When Prudent Edwards didn’t hear back from her only son Shane Thomas after calling him several times on the morning of March 1, 2017, she knew something was wrong.
“He knows that if I’m calling, he’s going to pick up,” she said.
Edwards didn’t hear from her son, and she was about to receive some news that would change her life forever.
The 28-year-old father of two was shot multiple times outside an apartment complex at about 10 p.m. that night. He was found unresponsive and lying on the ground. He was within walking distance of the home he shared with his mother.
Thomas was Mississauga’s first homicide victim of 2017.
After a lengthy investigation, Peel Regional Police arrested and charged eight individuals from across the GTA in connection to Thomas’ murder. Two people were charged with first-degree murder in his death. Six others were charged with being an accessory after the fact.
Though her life was turned upside down, Edwards was sure that those charged would be tried for her son’s death and justice would be served.
However, to Edwards’ horror, the charges were dropped.
“No compelling evidence” was the reason Edwards received for the charges being dropped. However, because there’s a publication ban on the preliminary hearing, anything outlined in court cannot be revealed.
“Unfortunately, I was not privy to the hearing, I was deemed a potential witness. As the only primary family member, I have no actual information regarding the trial,” said Edwards.
Thomas’ case is considered closed despite there being no convictions. Peel police say they aren’t looking for any other suspects.
“The results of the case were, of course, unfortunate,” said Const. Sarah Patten. “They just were unable to convict with the evidence they had in the absence of the necessary witness testimony that was recanted during the preliminary inquiry.”
Eventually, Edwards was told by police that a witness who had promised to speak in court recanted their statement.
Now Edwards wants accountability. “I’m still baffled to this day; there’s so many unanswered questions.”
After months of badgering Peel police for answers into Thomas’ death and requesting to see the police report, Edwards was promised a meeting with police.
Two months ago, Edwards finally received the report. Out of the nearly 20-page document, the majority of pages were blank or missing information, she said.
Though options are limited to seek justice for her son, Edwards has pledged to continue fighting.
“I shall continue this audacious journey of personally exploring and inquiring into the brutal murder of my son. I am hoping that through this endeavour, I will be able to take comfort in the fact that I have done everything possible that a mother could have done for a deceased child to ensure that justice is served,” she said.