News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

July 10, 2017

Standing Hearing for Inquest Into Death of Duane Taylor



A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Duane Taylor, 53, of Kingston, Ont.  

Taylor was incarcerated at Stony Mountain Institution (SMI).  In the evening of Aug. 16, 2014, he was stabbed in the back of the neck and choked by another inmate while in his cell.  Due to the altercation, an alarm sounded and staff responded to find Taylor unconscious.  Paramedics were called to the scene and Taylor was pronounced deceased while still at SMI.  On May 10, 2017, Cordell Charles was convicted of first degree murder and given a life sentence with no eligibility of parole for 25 years. 

Under The Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner.  Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future. 

Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who can participate in the process and question witnesses.  Individuals and groups may make an application to be granted standing and participate in the inquest.  Those interested in applying for standing should contact Kevin Clayton, inquest counsel, 204-945-8086 or kevin.clayton@gov.mb.caby July 25. 

The standing hearing will be held on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 316 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.

 - 30 -