Death of Inmate at Kingston Penitentiary

Kingston, Ontario, December 18, 2012 – On Monday, December 17, 2012,inmate Andrew Townsend from Kingston Penitentiary was found unresponsive in his cell. Correctional Officers immediately performed CPR and transported the offender to the Kingston Penitentiary Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:01am by the institutional physician.

At the time of his death, Mr. Townsend, 27, was serving a sentence of 7 years, 8 months for Break and Enter and Commit, Breach of Recognizance and Arson. His sentence had commenced on January 22, 2009. 

Next of kin have been notified.

As in all cases where an individual dies while in custody, the police and coroner have been notified. In addition, the Correctional Service of Canada will review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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For more information, media personnel may contact:

Michele Vermette
Assistant Warden, Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Kingston Penitentiary
613-536-6880