News Releases

Atlantic Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEATH AT SPRINGHILL INSTITUTION

SPRINGHILL, NS, May 27, 2008 - On May 27, 2008, Jessie Tanner, an inmate at Springhill Institution, Regional Reception Center died of apparent suicide while in custody.

Mr. Tanner was 23 years old and serving 2 years, 2 months and 21 days for assault, uttering threats X 2, mischief X 2, possession of a weapon and assault with a weapon. Next of kin has been notified.

As in all cases where an individual dies while in custody, the police are called in to investigate. In addition, the Correctional Service of Canada will review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Springhill Institution is a medium-security federal penitentiary, housing 485 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Shannon Oickle
Chief, Administration and Materiel Management
902-597-0132