May 17, 2018
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of Russell Spence
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Russell Spence, 31, of Winnipeg.
In the early hours of Oct. 12, 2016, Spence was arrested by the Winnipeg Police Service and taken to the Winnipeg Remand Centre (WRC). During the check-in process, he and the correctional officers / police officers struggled and Spence became unresponsive. Correctional staff called an ambulance and he was transported to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg. Resuscitation attempts were made at the WRC and the hospital but Spence died later the same day.
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 Mark Lafreniere, inquest counsel, at 204-391-2245 or mark.lafreniere@gov.mb.ca by June 8.
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