On August 27, 2011, Island Lake RCMP Detachment were contacted and advised that a Garden Hill man had been found deceased while being detained in a holding cell.
RCMP report that the man, a 44-year-old male, was found deceased after being lodged by local Band Constables in a holding cell owned and operated by the Garden Hill FN Band.
The RCMP Island Lake Detachment, RCMP Major Crime Services and the Thompson RCMP Forensic Identification Section have begun an investigation into the sudden death. RCMP have learned that the man had been lodged by local Band Constables in the early hours of August 27 for being intoxicated pursuant to Garden Hill’s Band Bylaw that prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the community. He was found deceased shortly after 9am on August 27.
Police say that an autopsy was conducted in Winnipeg on August 29 and no foul play is suspected. The cause of death has yet to be determined pending toxicology results.
The investigation continues.
