Public inquiry begins for Calgary care worker stabbed to death on the job

Debroah Onwu is seen in this undated image. (Courtesy: Facebook)

A public fatality inquiry is scheduled to begin Monday for Deborah Onwu, a caseworker who was killed while on shift.

The 47-year-old was stabbed 19 times by Brandon Newman on October 25, 2019.

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Onwu was working with Newman at Wood’s Homes Assisted Living Residence in southwest Calgary – a children’s mental health centre.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has said Newman has a violent history and required two-on-one care for his complex health needs.

CUPE said another worker was at the home the night Onwu was killed but was on a different floor dealing with another client.

Newman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Since Onwu’s death, family, friends and co-workers have spoken out, demanding improvements to work safety standards.

Fatality inquiries are legal proceedings before a court of justice that clarify the circumstances of a death and may provide insight and recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

Fatality inquiry reports do not make findings of legal responsibility, according to the province.

With files from The Canadian Press