Doctor, inmates testify during inquest into death of man at Regina Correctional Centre
An inmate and a forensic pathologist, along with nurses and corrections officers offered their testimonies on the second day of the public inquest into the death of Kalin Dean Holonics.
The 25-year-old from Estevan was found dead in his cell on July 9, 2020.
A forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Holonics confirmed the inmate overdosed on a combination of drugs including Fentanyl and gabapentin, during testimony Tuesday.
Larry Worm, an inmate with a cell next to Holonics at the time, also testified.
Worm said Holonics was a good guy within the unit and never heard Holonics talk about drugs.
During the standing count on the morning of Holonics death, Worm said he went inside Holonics cell to wake him up.
Worm said he nudged Holonics to get out of bed and said his body was stiff.
He told the guard on duty Holonics was unresponsive.
Two statement videos from other inmates who cannot be identified due to a publication ban were used as evidence in Tuesday’s testimony.
Both acknowledged there is a drug problem within the Regina Correctional Centre.
One statement went as far as to say drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, crystal meth and cannabis are commonly brought into the correctional centre through "throw overs" into the prison yard.
A throw over references illegal drugs being thrown over prison walls and picked up by inmates who then smuggle the drugs back inside the correctional centre and sell them to other inmates.
A correction officer working the night shift when Holonics was unresponsive also took the stand.
Video evidence shows the guard performing checks up to policy standards throughout the night at 12 a.m., 3 a.m., and 5 a.m.
However, the total duration of time spent checking each cell was 1-3 seconds.
People who testified were asked for their opinion on ways to improve the correctional centre and what could be done to prevent deaths like Holonics’.
Testimonies are expected to finish Wednesday morning with jurors presenting their recommendations Wednesday afternoon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.
Frustrated farmers are rebelling against EU rules. The far right is stoking the flames
Mainstream political parties failed to act on European farmers' complaints for decades, one farmer says. Now the radical right is stepping in.