Jailed stroke victim's sister awaits answers

A Nova Scotia woman is anxious for answers about the death of her sister in police custody last year.

Kimberly Paul said it's time she found out what happened to Victoria in a jail cell in Truro on Aug. 28, 2009.

"Not knowing makes me think something's wrong there," she told CBC News. "I know they have to investigate and whatever. I know it takes time. At least, you know, send us a letter. Tell us how the investigation's going. We haven't heard nothing."

Victoria Paul, 44, of Indian Brook, was arrested for public intoxication outside a bar in Truro. She was taken to a local jail and placed in a cell.

Deveron Paul, who was arrested with his mother,told CBC last year that Victoria was foundunconscious the next morning, butno one called an ambulance until five hours later.

"That's one question I want to be answered: Why so long? I lost my sister after that," said Kimberly Paul.

Paul said doctors determined that her sister suffered a massive stroke.She was taken off life support on Sept. 3, 2009, and died two days later.

Halifax Regional Police were called in to review Victoria's arrest and detention.

Cheryl Maloney, president of the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association, said it has been a long 13 months waiting for answers.

"You hope that there's nothing, that it's not racial, institutional racism or anything. You hope that they treated her as fair as they would anyone else. These are questions we need answers to," said Maloney.

Deveron Paulhas said that his mother struggled with six or seven police officers on the sidewalk, and they weretoo rough with her.

Final stages

Justice Minister Ross Landry said he's hopeful the investigation will wrap up soon.

"I asked the question, how far along are we, and they said the investigation is progressing very well and we're hoping to move it to its final stages," he said.

Landry said it's too early to know if the 13-month timeline for the investigation is appropriate.

Meanwhile, Kimberly Paul remains haunted by what happened to her sister. She said she thinks of Victoria every day.

"I can't even explain how I feel," she said. "There's not a day that goes by it don't hurt."