Parents believe deceased son may have been sexually assaulted at Sask. group home
Naomi and Al Hawkins say they were in “shock” and “alarmed” when they heard that the man who took care of their son at a group home in Hepburn, Sask. was facing several sexual assault charges.
Their son Derek lived at Shepherd’s Villa from 2003 to 2005. The family says their son dramatically changed during his time there, going from an enthusiastic person to engaging in violent behaviour.
“We could never figure out why, and still we may never figure out why. But I do know that if that went on (alleged sexual assaults) in that time, it had an effect on him,” Al said.
Brent Gabona, 52, is charged with five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability for incidents alleged to have occurred at the home.
He was charged and arrested in May. Police believe the assaults took place between 1992 and 2009.
The family reached out to RCMP looking for answers as Derek died in 2011. But they didn’t get what they were expecting.
“We were asked ‘Is your son verbal?’ We said yes. We were immediately told ‘Your son was not a victim’,” Al said.
In an email to CTV News, RCMP said it was unable to provide comment as the matter is before the courts.
"Existence of investigations of any sort will usually be acknowledged to the public only if charges are laid," RCMP said.
"Generally speaking, all potential crimes reported to Saskatchewan RCMP are investigated."
The Hawkins believe the alleged sexual assaults may have been a reason for their son's escalating behaviour. At one point during his time at Shepherd’s Villa, he clawed out the gyproc and insulation from the walls of his room with his hands.
“The insulation of the wall was boarded up and we were called to pick him up, and we found him on a mattress with a bunch of rubble around him,” Al said.
When Derek was discharged from Shepherd’s Villa in 2005 the family requested an investigation. The family says the written assessment determined it was environmental factors that led to their son’s behaviour.
“We had no idea that prior to Derek going there and after Derek was there, that this was going on.”
The family says they’ll be attending court on July 13 when Gabona is expected to appear in person in Rosthern. Naomi and Al say they don’t have any words for him but want to support the other alleged victims and their families.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.