Dylan Levi Judd was found unresponsive in his cell at KRCC November 10.
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December 01, 2014 - 3:15 PM
KAMLOOPS – The investigation into an inmate’s death at the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre continues, but it is too early to tell if the investigation will warrant a coroner’s inquest.
On November 10, Dylan Levi Judd, 20, was found deceased during morning cell checks.
Barb McLintock with the B.C. Coroner’s Service says inquests are mandatory for in custody deaths with the RCMP but the same regulation does not apply for prison custody deaths. McLintock says inquests used to be mandatory for inmates, but the Coroner’s Service determined it was not an adequate use of resources as each death - including those from aging and health related issues - was investigated.
A coroner’s inquest is a court proceeding held to find facts, not fault in a person’s death. A five-person jury classifies the death and typically provides written recommendations on how to prevent a similar death from happening.
The decision to hold an inquest is made if issues are raised during the investigation.
“The decision (for an inquest) is left to the chief coroner,” McLintock says.
McLintock says she can’t place a date if and when there will be an inquest on Judd’s death.
He was held in custody pending an upcoming court date for charges in Sicamous relating to possession of property obtained by crime and being unlawfully in a dwelling. Judd was eight days away from sentencing.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014