Regina Police Chief standing by Machiskinic investigation

Regina Police Chief Evan Bray is acknowledging mistakes were made in the investigation into Nadine Machiskinic’s death, but is standing by how the case concluded.

Machiskinic, 29, died following a fall down the laundry chute at the Delta Hotel two years ago.

“I know that this investigation wasn’t perfect, but I am confident that the investigation was complete and I am confident in the finding of our investigation,” Bray said.

The investigation conducted by Regina Police Service (RPS) concluded her death was accidental.

A recent coroner’s inquest, however, ruled her death down the laundry chute at the Delta Hotel on Jan. 10, 2015 as undetermined.

The inquest also highlighted issues with the initial investigation, including mistakes and errors made by police.

It noted police took 60 hours to begin an investigation involving the major crimes unit. Miscommunication between two officers led to delays in toxicology being sent to the lab.

Additionally, the hotel guest list from the night in question – along with the identity of two men seen on video taken from Delta lobby – were not pursued until a year after Machiskinic’s death.

Bray contends those issues had nothing to do with the victim’s backgrounds.

“The Regina Police Service will not ever conduct an investigation based on interpretation of a person’s lifestyle, race, gender,” he said.

“Bias like that won’t find itself into an investigation.”

Machiskinic’s family hopes Regina police will consider reopening the case.

Chief Bray said the RPS is always open to new information or evidence in a case, adding all new details would be investigated.