Prosecutors in Manitoba have suspended criminal proceedings against a Winnipeg nursing home in connection with the death of one of its residents.

A lawyer representing the family of Lilyan Peck, 93, filed private charges against the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre in October, accusing the Jewish care home of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

Lilyan Peck, 93, died after a bed wound went untreated at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, a Jewish care home in Winnipeg, in October 2010. (Family photo)

Peck died after a bed wound went untreated at the care home in October 2010. A Manitoba Health report released last July referred to Peck's death as "physical abuse by neglect."

A Manitoba Justice official confirmed to CBC News that proceedings related to the private charges have been suspended due to insufficient evidence. The case may be referred to Winnipeg police for further investigation.

"At this point, we're going back a step. But at least the step is a formalized step where police have the powers of investigation," Harvey Berkal, the Toronto-based lawyer who filed the charges, said Tuesday.

"Finally, there may be answers as to exactly what happened that led to this tragic, tragic, death."

Seven nurses at the care home have since been disciplined, including one who no longer works there. However, no criminal charges have been laid.

Berkal said while he is grateful that a formal investigation may take place, he is also frustrated that a probe was not launched sooner.

"It's not only tragic, but it's cruel that a woman — 93 years old — should have to go through this to end her life," he said.

"It's just [an] unnecessary and wasteful process that showed wanton neglect."