Wife missing in police custody death case
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 | 7:37 PM AT
CBC News
Karen Kormanaski at the inquiry into her common-law husband's death in July. (CBC)A missing person report has been filed for the common-law wife of Howard Hyde, a schizophrenic man whose death in police custody is the subject of a public inquiry.
Halifax Regional Police said Karen Kormanaski, 51, who sometimes uses the surnames Usher or Ellet, was last seen on Oct. 29.
She had an appointment on Oct. 30 that she did not attend and was reported missing Monday.
Police said family and friends who normally have regular contact with Kormanaski have not heard from her, which they describe as out of character.
She is described as white, about five feet eight inches tall, weighing 165 pounds and with long, dark brown hair.
In November 2007, Hyde died 30 hours after being shocked with a Taser stun gun in police custody. Kormanaski told CBC News her husband had been off his medications when he was arrested for allegedly assaulting her.
She testified at the public inquiry in July that she tried to tell staff at the correctional centre about Hyde's illness, but was told no one could help her because of confidentiality concerns.
Kormanaski described her partner as an "incredible" man who loved music and sports.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts is being asked to contact Halifax police at 902-490-5016.
