No Update On Man Found Dead In Cells

The details surrounding the sudden death of a 40 year old man in police custody on Thursday, October 7th will not be released at this time due to the on-going investigation according to the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS).

“This incident is being investigated by an outside agency. The Moose Jaw Police Service is unable to comment further,” the MJPS responded to MJ Independent in an email request for comment.

The so far unidentified individual's body was discovered last Thursday at 8:55 am in an individual holding cell. The individual had moments earlier been in conversation with officers.

Officers initiated CPR which was continued by medical services personnel, who responded to the incident, but the individual could not be revived. The 40 year old individual was pronounced deceased.

In accordance with the Police Act of 1990 the MJPS has requested an outside police force - Regina Police Service (RPS) - to conduct an investigation into the in custody death. Additionally the MJPS has requested the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety appoint an investigation observer.  

“The Moose Jaw Police Service continues to cooperate fully with the independent investigation and oversight bodies,” the MJPS said in a press release.

The identity of the deceased at this time has not been released and it is unknown if the non-release is at his family’s request.

An October 12th report published on-line by CBC Saskatchewan about an unrelated death in police custody in Prince Albert initially referenced the Moose Jaw incident stating the investigation is now in the hands of the RCMP is incorrect.

In a written response to an e-mail requesting comment the Saskatchewan RCMP said they are not the investigating agency and the RPS is. They also state nothing has changed in what police service is conducting the external investigation.

“As this matter is the subject of an external investigation, the Saskatchewan RCMP is unable to provide any information at this time. The external investigation is being conducted by Regina Police Service – this has not changed,” an email response from the Saskatchewan RCMP read.

The CBC article was corrected sometime on October 13th with all reference to the Moose Jaw fatality removed from the story.

A request for comment from the RPS has so far not been responded to.