May 4, 2015
Standing Hearing Set for Inquests into the Deaths of Gilbert Moise and Devon Sampson
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Gilbert Moise, 21, of Winnipeg. On April 7, 2013, Moise was found hanging from a bed sheet during a routine cell check at the Stony Mountain Institution. The sheet had been tied to the bars of his window and wrapped around his neck. Staff and emergency medical personnel attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. An autopsy concluded the cause of death was hanging and the manner of death was suicide.
Before the inquest can begin, the judge will decide who can participate and question witnesses by having standing at the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Laura Hodgson, inquest counsel, at 204 945-2852 or laura.hodgson@gov.mb.caby May 18. This standing hearing will be held on June 1 at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 405 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
A second standing hearing will be held to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Devon Sampson, 34, of Winnipeg. On Nov. 23, 2013, Sampson was found in his cell at the Stony Mountain Institution, partially suspended by a shoelace around his neck. Emergency medical personnel attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. An autopsy concluded the cause of death was hanging. Sampson’s medical history included schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In April, the judge granted standing in this matter to the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Correctional Service of Canada. Additional parties who wish to apply for standing should contact Stephanie Harland, inquest counsel, at 204-945-6832 or stephanie.harland@gov.mb.caby June 15. The standing hearing will be held on June 29 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 405 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
In both of these matters, an inquest was called by the chief medical examiner under the Fatality Inquiries Act. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, could be done to help prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.
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