An inquest will probe the deaths of three Mountain Institution inmates.
The inquest will take place from Mar. 10 -14 this year, at the Burnaby Coroners Court. The three men's deaths being investigated are Gerald Joseph Cayer, 49 (d. Feb. 7, 2013), Kyle Darren Tombaugh, 35 (d. Aug. 24, 2012) and Warren Robert Allen, 54 (d. Jul. 20, 2012).
Each of the three inmates were all being housed in the medium security's segregation unit when they died. Their deaths span an eight month period. And while most coroner's inquests deal only with a single incident, there were enough similarities in the deaths to warrant grouping the deaths together.
Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe confirmed that the facts and circumstances of these three deaths are sufficiently similar that it will be more effective to hold a single inquest into the deaths.
Presiding coroner Vincent Stancato and a jury will hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses to determine the facts surrounding the deaths.
While the jury may not, by law, make any findings of legal responsibility, it may make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances in the future. An inquest is a formal process that allows for public presentation of evidence relating to a death.
Cayer was serving time for second-degree murder.
Tombaugh was serving four years and 21 days for theft under, assault with a weapon and attempt of an indictable offense.
Allen was an HIV-positive ex-police officer convicted of sexually assaulting teens.