The coroner’s inquiry into the fatalities of seven individuals due to drug overdoses while detained at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton, Ontario, commenced on Monday with poignant messages from the families being relayed to the jury. The deceased individuals passed away either at Maplehurst or subsequent to their transfer to Halton Healthcare between June 2017 and October 2019.
Conducted virtually, the inquest is scheduled to feature testimonies from 25 witnesses over a span of 13 days. The proceedings began with Jai Dhar, the inquest counsel, reading out statements from the families, starting with one from Wesley Da Silva’s mother, Liz. She fondly portrayed her son, aged 40 at the time of his demise on October 4, 2019, as a charismatic individual with a passion for animals. “Wesley was my only child, the love of my life, my precious gift,” she expressed. Da Silva also shared her discontent with the system, believing it failed to ensure her son’s safety. “I did not get to hold him, nor did I get to hold his hand, nor did I get to say goodbye,” Da Silva’s statement conveyed.
In Ontario, inquiries into deaths during custody are obligatory under the Coroners Act. The other six Maplehurst inmates and their respective dates of passing include Derek Johne, Cory Hemstead, Shawn Irvine, Curtis McGowan, Peter Ormond, and Rattanbir Sidhu. Cathy Johne, Derek’s mother, echoed Liz Da Silva’s sentiments in her statement, expressing disappointment with the jail staff and emphasizing that her son should have been secure while in custody. “I was always thankful when he was in jail because I believed he was safe, not overdosing on the street somewhere,” she penned.
The hearing on Monday concluded with testimony from Dr. Leonora Regenstief, an expert witness and addictions treatment specialist not previously involved in any of the seven cases. Dr. Regenstief elaborated on the history of opioid use, its impacts, and the treatment of opioid addiction within correctional settings. She clarified that certain forms of opioids are accessible in correctional facilities for treatment purposes, but fentanyl is not among them.
Maplehurst Correctional Complex accommodates around 1,500 inmates in medium and maximum security. The inquiry aims to scrutinize the circumstances encompassing the men’s deaths, with the jury potentially issuing recommendations to avert similar occurrences. Family members, including Amber McPherson, Curtis McGowan’s sister, are anticipated to address the jury. In a previous interview, McPherson highlighted the need to remember her brother beyond his struggles with addiction and emphasized the family’s quest for answers. The primary objective of inquests is to examine publicly the circumstances surrounding the fatalities, identify potential safety concerns, and propose preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies.