Inquest into death of Saskatchewan Penitentiary inmate begins

An inquest into the death of an inmate in the Saskatchewan Penitentiary began Tuesday in Prince Albert. Jasmine Pelletier has more.

An inquest into the death of an inmate that occurred at Saskatchewan Penitentiary began Tuesday morning in Prince Albert.

Nov. 28, 2022, 28-year-old Brandon Lupkoski was found unresponsive in his cell at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, and resuscitation efforts by EMS were unsuccessful.

An inquest into his death began Tuesday morning at Prince Albert’s Coronet Hotel.

The jury has been tasked with determining the cause of death, as well as making any recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.

The jury heard from three RCMP members who were involved with the initial investigation into Lupkoski’s death.

One member stated the investigation was treated as a homicide from the onset, but upon further investigation, evidence suggested Lupkoski’s injuries may have been self-inflicted.

Prior to the discovery of Lupkoski, inmates had been permitted to leave their cells within the range area.

A member of the RCMP’s Homicide Investigation Unit said teams were tasked with interviewing inmates within the range.

The correctional officer who found Lupkoski following the incident testified he’d been on the floor in his cell and blood was present.

Prior to the discovery a privacy blanket had been covering the entrance to the cell.

The correctional officer said they had not been informed that Lupkoski had mental health struggles.

Sixteen witnesses are scheduled to testify during the inquest, which is set to continue until Friday.

Lupkoski was serving his sentence after being charged with breaking and entering and discharging a firearm.