Disturbing Trend: Another In-Custody Death at Winnipeg Remand Centre Prompts Urgent Investigation

A somber cloud hangs over Manitoba's justice system as the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) launches a probe into yet another in-custody death. This latest tragedy involves an individual who collapsed at the Winnipeg Remand Centre and subsequently died in hospital, marking a concerning continuation of such incidents within the province's correctional facilities.

The incident unfolded on Saturday, June 22, when an individual, who had been in the custody of the Winnipeg Remand Centre, suffered a medical emergency, collapsing within the facility.

They were immediately rushed to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the individual tragically succumbed to their condition the following day, Sunday, June 23.

Details released by the IIU indicate that the deceased had been arrested just two days prior, on Friday, June 21, by the Winnipeg Police Service.

The charges leading to their arrest included property offences and outstanding warrants, which led to their detention at the remand centre.

While the IIU has clarified that the death is not considered violent, its mandate dictates an investigation into all serious injuries or fatalities that occur while an individual is in police custody or directly related to police actions.

This ensures an independent and impartial review of the circumstances surrounding the death.

In the wake of the incident, Manitoba Justice has declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. This stance is typical during such sensitive inquiries, but it does little to quell public concern given the rising frequency of these events.

Indeed, this is not an isolated incident.

The IIU has been actively investigating several other in-custody deaths this year alone, highlighting a disturbing pattern within Manitoba’s correctional system. Previous cases include the death of an individual transported from a police detachment to the Headingley Correctional Centre, and another fatality that occurred at the Health Sciences Centre after a person had been taken into custody.

These repeated occurrences underscore a pressing need for transparency and potentially systemic review to understand and prevent future tragedies.