Man serving life sentence for murder dies in custody in Abbotsford

The Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal men's prison, is seen in Abbotsford, B.C., on Thursday October 26, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

An inmate at a medium-security federal prison in Abbotsford, B.C., has died in custody of apparent natural causes, the Correctional Service of Canada said Thursday.

Charles Wheeliker, 59, died on Tuesday while serving a life sentence at Matsqui Institution, which began on Dec. 17, 2013.

Background on the conviction

Wheeliker pleaded guilty in 2013 to second‑degree murder in the August 2012 death of Troy Johnston, his partner of three years.

Johnston, 35, was found dead in the apartment he shared with Wheeliker in Sydney, Nova Scotia, after what the Crown described as a drug‑ and alcohol‑fuelled argument.

According to an agreed statement of facts, the argument started when Wheeliker accused Johnston of staying in touch with an old girlfriend that he had been texting throughout the night.

• Read more: Sydney man admits to killing partner in jealous rage

It ended with Johnston being strangled to death with a belt.

The CSC says Wheeliker’s next of kin have been notified of his death.

As in all in‑custody deaths, the CSC says it will review the circumstances, and the coroner has been notified in accordance with policy.

With files from CTV News Atlantic.