News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, BC, November 13, 2007 - A Regional Treatment Centre inmate was found dead of an apparent suicide yesterday (November 12).

Staff members discovered the inmate's body in his cell while conducting a regularly scheduled security round.

Ronald Berikoff, 38, was pronounced dead at 1:39 a.m.

He was serving an indeterminate sentence for sexual assault and robbery. His sentence commenced June 29, 2000.

The Institutional Security Intelligence Office and the RCMP are investigating. At this time, foul play is not suspected.

Next-of-kin have been notified.

The Pacific Institution and the Regional Treatment Centre are co-located in Abbotsford. The facility includes a 20-bed Medical Hospital, 96-bed Psychiatric Hospital, 96-bed Rehabilitation Unit, 127-bed Program Unit and a 96-bed Regional Reception and Assessment Centre.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Samantha Cater
Assistant Warden Management Services
604-870-7703