The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is reaffirming its commitment to the safety of inmates and staff at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) after the death of another inmate.
London police were called to the jail on Exeter Rd. Monday. An inmate was taken to hospital after attempting suicide. Raymond George Major died in hospital early Tuesday morning. Other than to indicate the provincial coroner's office is investigating, the ministry had little else to say about the death.
"Given this matter is the subject of multiple investigations, it would be inappropriate to provide further detail," said ministry spokesperson Andrew Morrison in an emailed statement. "Should the Coroner’s death investigation determine that the death was due to anything other than natural causes, an inquest will be called."
According to public records, Major was arrested June 2, charged with possession of drugs and identity documents and being the passenger in a stolen vehicle.
The jail has been thrust into the spotlight repeatedly over the past several years as it has dealt with overcrowding, inadequate staffing levels, and other inmate deaths.
Since 2009, there have been at least seven other deaths at the EMDC. Adam Kargus, 29, was found dead in the EMDC showers in November 2013. Kargus’ cellmate was charged with second degree murder in relation to his death. In April 2009, Randy Drysdale was beaten unconscious in a common area and later died from his injuries. Keith Patterson, 30, committed suicide while in segregation in September 2014. Laura Straughan, 25, died from pneumonia in November 2009. Three others died in December 2014, August 2015, October 2016 after being found in medical distress.
"The safety and security of inmates and staff is the ministry’s top priority," Morrison wrote to BlackburnNews.com. "The ministry takes deaths in custody very seriously and thorough investigations are carried out by ministry officials, the Office of the Chief Coroner and the police. Coroner’s inquests contribute to the ongoing work and the ministry carefully reviews jury inquest recommendations directed at the ministry and strives to improve policies and procedures."
Morrison went on to explain recommendations from previous inquests have lead to numerous "positive steps" in developing new policies and procedures within Ontario's correctional system.
"For example, policies around increased mental health training for correctional officers, and expanded mental health support for inmates by establishing 24-hour nursing and dedicated mental health nurses," wrote Morrison.