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Public inquest announced into death of inmate in Abbotsford

Christopher Robert Roy, whose past includes convictions in Kelowna and Victoria, died in June 2015
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Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford

The BC Coroners Service has announced that a public inquest will be held this summer into the  death of an inmate at Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford.

Christopher Robert Roy, 38, was being held in the segregation unit of the federal prison on June 1, 2015, when he was found hanging from a ligature in his cell and was transported to Abbotsford Regional Hospital, where he died two days later.

The inquest is scheduled to take place beginning July 18 at the Coroners Courtroom in Burnaby.

Presiding coroner Brynne Redford and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding Roy’s death. The jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances.

At the time of his death, Roy had been serving a two-year sentence for a break and enter at a residence in Kelowna, and breaches of his probation and bail conditions.

He had several previous charges and convictions in Kelowna, dating back to 1997, as well as some charges in Victoria in 2011 and 2012.

His convictions were for offences that included assault with a weapon, driving while prohibited, impaired driving and possession of stolen property.

Matsqui Institution is a medium-security facility located on King Road in Abbotsford.

 



Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
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