The Coroner’s inquest looking into the deaths of multiple men who were being held at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre has brought more questions than answers so far. The session held on February 25th focused on the death of Floyd Deleary on August 23rd, 2015. Common themes during the inquest revolved around whether or not the prison was equipped or prepared to deal with inmates safely. In fact, lawyers at the inquest frequently questioned the practices carried out by prison staff as possible catalysts for the death of Deleary.
The fact that EMDC was short-staffed on August 23rd, 2015, was the first item on the list of questions. This was followed by questions of whether or not the system of staggered rounds (supposedly unpredictable patrol shift changes) that the correctional officers use is effective. Next were questions of the competency and/or conduct of guards and nurses. The first issue was the allegation that fishing involving Deleary’s cell was occurring for hours before he was found dead.
Fishing is a prison term used to describe when inmates unravel threads from their sheets to make fishing lines. They then attempt to send each other notes, newspapers, drugs, razor blades and even makeshift knives.
According to Sgt. Penny Rock, who was in charge of the shift the night of Deleary’s death, corrections officers are expected to stop and report fishing, but this may not have happened.
Also according to Sgt. Rock, a full hour or more passed in between instances of Deleary’s cell being checked.
Despite many questions however, the inquest is far from finding all the answers as it enters its 3rd day.
The families of the subjects of the inquest have shown that they want change. They’ve been coming daily to both understand the reasons behind the deaths of their loved ones as well as to push for change in a system that has been struggling years.
Amanda Thompson is the sister of Justin Thompson, another man who lost his life at EMDC.
She spoke with XFM News about her late brother.
“Justin Thompson was my older brother. We were a few years apart. We grew up together. Lived together. He was originally in EMDC for failing to do fingerprints and was in for about a month and a half,” she said. “He was due to be released a week prior to the day that he died.”
This tends to be a common theme with the detention centre. Inmates who haven’t even yet been convicted of crimes are placed there and put in serious danger while they wait for trial. XFM News spoke to another man who was acquitted after his stay at EMDC.
Thompson continued, tears in her eyes when she explained how her family and friends knew Justin.
“He just had a really big heart. He’d give anybody the shirt off his back. He’s been there for me through so much. And just the thought of him being in that cell on the day that he died, it’s heartbreaking,” she said. “He didn’t have any family. He didn’t. There was nobody there with him. Just a stranger he’s known for a month. It’s soul crushing”
When asked why she’s coming to the inquest, her answer was simple.
“Changes need to be made. No other families can go through this. It’s hard, but I’m hoping at the end of this inquest changes will be made. Nobody else will have to deal with this or go through this or feel this hurt.”
The inquest is expected to run for a total of 12 days with roughly 30 witnesses.
