Steve Phillip Gilbert Collins, 40, charged with manslaughter in connection with the drug overdose death of a Calgary teen, will remain behind bars while his lawyer awaits disclosure and develops a proposed bail plan. Collins appeared briefly via video link Monday in Calgary Court of Justice, where defence lawyer Gunntas Sidhu asked that his case be adjourned to later this month.
Court adjournment requested for disclosure review
Sidhu, appearing on behalf of Collins’ counsel Connor Sprague, said the lead lawyer needs time to review the evidence from the prosecution. “My instructions from Mr. Sprague is to seek an adjournment to July 22,” Sidhu told Justice Allan Fradsham. “The purpose of that adjournment is to receive disclosure and perfect a bail plan.” Once the bail plan is completed, Sprague can determine if the prosecution is amenable to consenting to Collins’ release, or whether the defence will have to schedule a contested bail hearing.
First manslaughter charge in Calgary overdose death
Collins was charged last month in connection with the Nov. 28, 2025 death of 16-year-old Jordynn Atkins-Materi. It is the first time Calgary police have laid a manslaughter charge in connection with an overdose death. According to police, the day before the incident, two 16-year-old girls met with a male acquaintance in downtown Calgary before going to a residence in the 8300 block of Centre Street N.E., where it is believed drugs were consumed. The following morning, around 7:25 a.m., the man discovered one of the girls was unconscious and called 911. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, but despite their efforts the girl could not be revived.
Autopsy confirms carfentanil toxicity
An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was the toxic effects of carfentanil, a potent synthetic opioid. Following an investigation by the Calgary Police Service Drug Investigations for Safer Communities (DISC) Team and consultation with the Crown, it was determined charges were warranted. Collins remains in custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for July 22.
