The Manitoba government has called inquests into the deaths of several men who died while in custody at Stony Mountain Institution and Headingley Correctional Centre, as the province looks to understand better what led to their deaths and explore ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The announcement came from Dr. John K. Younes, Manitoba’s Chief Medical Examiner, who directed the inquests under The Fatality Inquiries Act. These reviews are required whenever a person dies while in custody and aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding each case.
Violent struggle preceded death
One of the inquests will examine the 2021 death of 45-year-old William Ahmo of Sagkeeng First Nation, who died in hospital one week after a violent incident at Headingley Correctional Centre. On February 7th, 2021, Ahmo was reportedly acting aggressively on the unit, prompting staff to use pepper spray, flash bangs, and eventually enter his cell to restrain him. During the prolonged encounter, Ahmo went into cardiorespiratory arrest. Though he was resuscitated at the time, he died on February 14th.
An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen. The manner of death was ruled a homicide, a term used by medical examiners to indicate death caused by another person, regardless of intent or criminal responsibility.
Four suicides at Stony Mountain
Four other inquests will focus on suicide deaths that took place at Stony Mountain Institution in 2020. In each case, the men were found hanging in their cells during routine checks, and despite life-saving efforts by correctional staff and emergency responders, none survived.
- Patrick Eaglestick, 25, was found hanging in his cell in March 2020 and was resuscitated, but later died in the hospital.
- Curt Harper, 36, died on May 17th.
- Melvis Owen, 38, was found on December 12th and died three days later in the hospital after initially regaining a pulse.
- Farron Rowan, 32, was found on April 26th.
- Adrian Young, 39, was found on March 7th.
The medical examiner’s office found all four deaths to be suicides. The inquests will explore whether there were common factors and what improvements might help prevent similar outcomes.
Accidental overdose under review
An additional inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the overdose death of Jesse Thomas, 36, who was found unresponsive and alone in his locked cell at Stony Mountain Institution on November 19th, 2021. Staff had observed Thomas sleeping and snoring during routine rounds approximately 30 minutes earlier. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, he could not be resuscitated.
An autopsy later revealed that Thomas died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and Flualprazolam, a potent sedative. His death was ruled accidental. The inquest will identify how the substances may have been introduced into the institution, as well as what preventative measures or monitoring protocols could be implemented to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Why inquests matter
While not criminal trials, inquests allow the public to hear what happened and what the institutions did in response. They often lead to recommendations aimed at improving safety measures and mental health supports in correctional facilities.
In a statement, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office said the inquests are intended to clarify the circumstances of each death and “to determine what, if anything, can be done to prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.”
Dates and locations for each inquest will be set by the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba and announced at a later time.
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