KAWARTHA LAKES-Dr. Paul Dungey, Regional Supervising Coroner for East Region, Kingston Office, today announced that a joint inquest will be held into the deaths of Arun Kumar Rajendiran, Darrel Tavernier and Stephen Kelly.
Three inmates of the Central East Correction Centre in Lindsay died from hanging in separate incidents. Mr. Rajendiran, 25, died on November 12, 2014; Mr. Tavernier, 42, died on January 1, 2018; and Mr. Kelly, 62, died on May 18, 2019.
An inquest in this case is mandatory under the Coroners Act.
The inquest will examine the events surrounding their deaths. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
Dr. Bob Reddoch will preside as inquest coroner and Jai Dhar will be the inquest counsel.
Kawartha 411 news began looking into suicides at CECC in January. The Ministry says two deaths involving inmates from CECC were recorded in 2021. And one so far in 2022. The cause of death in these cases has not been released.
“When a death involving an inmate occurs, it is the subject of multiple investigations. The Office of the Chief Coroner conducts a death investigation to determine cause and manner of death. The ministry conducts an internal investigation to determine whether all ministry policies and procedures were followed with respect to the care and custody of the deceased. The local police may investigate to determine if the death was the result of any criminal activity.” said Andrew Morrison, Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Morrison says the ministry relies on the results of a coroner’s death investigation or an inquest for causes of death. A coroner’s investigation is required for every death in a provincial correctional facility. Should the coroner determine that the death was anything other than natural causes, an inquest would be called. Should the death result from natural causes, an inquest would be at the discretion of the coroner.
Further details of the joint inquest of the three inmates mentioned above will be provided when they become available.