October 1, 2026
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of Ricardo Pereira
A standing hearing will take place to determine who may participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Ricardo Pereira, 23, of Winnipeg.
The circumstances of Pereira’s death are as follows:
Pereira was an inmate at Stony Mountain Institution. He was admitted to Stonewall and District Health Centre on Sept. 4, 2023, due to methadone toxicity and was released back to the institution later that day at approximately 7 p.m. in stable condition.
He remained in a common area until cells were locked at 10:20 p.m. He was observed breathing during a check at 11:55 p.m. During the next check, at 12:55 a.m. on Sept. 5, 2023, he was not breathing. Naloxone was administered and resuscitation efforts were started but were unsuccessful. The cause of death was determined to be methadone toxicity.
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 may participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may apply for standing to participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Jocelyne Ritchot, inquest counsel at 204-390-4963 or by email at jocelyne.ritchot@gov.mb.ca by Oct. 31.
The standing hearing will be held on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. in courtroom 402 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Avenue, Winnipeg.
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