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The picture of how a Saskatchewan Penitentiary inmate died is coming clear at a coroner’s inquest.
However, the motive behind Andy Allan Brassard in what’s been described as a suicide, has still not been revealed.
In the first day of the inquest, eight of the 11 total witnesses were called to tell the jury and coroner how they were involved with Brassard, who was 26, the day he died in November of 2012.
During the 11 p.m. cell checks, one corrections officer (CO) remembers another yelling “there’s a hanger in segregation.”
Within minutes the Cos had responded to Brassard’s cell and cut him down. He’d hung himself using a coaxial cable, presumably from a TV in his room.
The COs and paramedics say for nearly 20 minutes straight they tried to revive Brassard, but there was never a sign of life. They performed CPR and chest compressions, tried to use two different automated external defibrillators, but never detected a pulse or electric signal from the heart.
The jury’s role in the inquest is to bring dangerous practices to light, and educate the public. In jury selection the chief coroner stipulated that three of the six jurors identify as aboriginal.
So far, the two lawyers – the coroner’s counsel and Correctional Services Canada’s counsel – have thoroughly questioned how quickly the COs responded, how the cell door was opened, and the suicide prevention training that COS receive.
So far, there hasn’t been too deep of scrutiny into the response efforts by COs, paramedics, and RCMP officers.
The RCMP officer who was responsible for penitentiary calls at the time has brought up one issue, though.
Constable Chris Hujber says the RCMP responds to any deaths that didn’t take place while a doctor was present – regardless of whether it’s a suicide or not.
In this case, Correctional Services Canada didn’t call the RCMP until the day after. That call was made, not relating to any investigation, but to ask for help notifying Brassard’s next of kin.
After the RCMP was notified, they attended the Penitentiary to take photos of the cell, review security footage, and speak with inmates in cells near where Brassard’s was.
A suicide note written by Brassard has been mentioned, and it’s expected the contents will be put forward as evidence.
None of Brassard’s family members have been present at the Prince Albert inquest so far.
The inquest continues on Tuesday. At the end, the jury will be asked to find ways Brassard’s death could have been prevented and to make recommendations to prevent deaths of this nature in the future.
An inquest is not designed to make findings of personal guilt.