News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEATH AT REGIONAL TREATMENT CENTRE (PACIFIC)

ABBOTSFORD, BC, November 17, 2008 - On November 16, 2008, Robert Donald Hewdlar, an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre died of apparent natural causes while in custody.

Mr. Hewdlar was 67 years old and serving a life sentence for non-capital murder and rape. Next of kin has been notified.

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

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 127-bed Regional Reception and Assessment Centre.

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For further information media representatives may contact:

Samantha Cater
Assistant Warden Management Services
Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Centre
604-870-7703