Two employees charged in death of assisted care resident who ended up locked outside building overnight

A Durham Regional Police car is seen on Tuesday Feb. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives

Two employees at an Oshawa assisted living facility are facing charges in connection with the death of a resident who wandered outside the building during the winter and ended up locked outside all night.

The incident took place at Aspira Traditions on Bloor Street near Townline Road on the night of March 31, 2023.

Police say that the 79-year-old “vulnerable” woman entered a stairway and exited the building at around 7:30 p.m.

The authorities say that over the course of the night the woman attempted to get back inside the building but was unable to because the doors were locked.

“She sat on a bench and was located the following morning without vital signs,” a news release issued on Tuesday morning notes. “An autopsy was performed and the cause of death of the 79-year-old was as a result of exposure to the elements.”

Police say that Padmini Kisseur, 34, of Oshawa, and Danika Harrison, 29, of Newcastle, are both charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life for a person under their charge.

Police continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.