November 7, 2022
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of Jordan Sutherland
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Jordan Sutherland, 26, of Beausejour.
Sutherland was in custody at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre, where shortly after midnight on June 24, 2020, he was found suspended in his cell with a bedsheet encircling his neck and tied to the top bunk, anchored in a hole by the window. He was reportedly alone in his cell and everything appeared normal 30 minutes prior to the discovery.
Correctional officers removed Sutherland and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. Emergency medical services responded and Sutherland was transported to hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.
Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances relating to the death for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, can be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Before the inquest begins, a 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. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Carrie Ritchot, inquest counsel, at (204) 945-2852 or carrie.ritchot@gov.mb.ca by Nov. 25.
The standing hearing will be held on Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 408 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
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