Stony Mountain Prison Takes Action to Address Suicide Risks

Officials at Stony Mountain Institution are implementing measures to mitigate the risk of suicide among inmates, following a report by Judge Cynthia Devine. The judge’s findings were particularly alarming, noting that over the past two decades, at least seven inmates have hanged themselves using electrical conduit pipes within the facility. The institution, located north of Winnipeg, is taking steps to reduce or eliminate suspension points in cells, which have been identified as a significant safety concern.

In her report, Judge Devine highlighted the suicide of Tyson Kane Roulette, a 34-year-old gang leader affiliated with the Indian Posse, who took his life on December 8, 2019. Roulette was serving a life sentence for manslaughter and attempted murder when he hanged himself using a bed sheet tied to an electrical pipe in his cell. This incident has raised serious questions about the safety measures in place within the prison.

The judge noted that corrections officials are “strategizing to reduce and/or eliminate the potential risks associated with suspension points.” According to Devine, Roulette’s suicide was unique among similar incidents at Stony Mountain because it occurred during the day, rather than during the night-time lockdown, which is the more typical scenario for such tragedies. On the day of his death, Roulette had returned to his cell shortly before 08:00 after attending treatment for opioid dependence. Staff did not check on him until nearly 22:00, following concerns expressed by other inmates.

The report revealed that the corrections officers tasked with monitoring the area failed to conduct proper security checks throughout the day. Judge Devine stated, “I am satisfied that there are no systemic issues regarding counts and security patrols; the adequate policies were simply not followed in this case.” This lapse in protocol contributed to the tragic situation, as Roulette was not discovered until hours after his death.

Several factors were identified as contributing to Roulette’s state of mind. Despite his involvement in the drug trade and gang activity within the prison, he held a leadership position and was often called upon to mediate conflicts among inmates. However, his perceived role within the gang led to threats against him, causing significant personal stress. Early in his sentence, Roulette expressed a desire to leave the Indian Posse, but this request was not taken seriously by prison officials.

The internal investigation by the Corrections Service Canada has prompted a call for training programs aimed at disaffiliating inmates from gangs. Judge Devine supports these recommendations, emphasizing the need for culturally appropriate programs, especially for the predominantly Indigenous inmate population at Stony Mountain. She noted that addressing the historical context of colonialism and intergenerational trauma is essential in developing effective solutions.

Devine concluded that the combination of family and social stressors, coupled with Roulette’s increasing substance use, likely played a role in his suicide. She noted that the changes being implemented by corrections officials could enhance the wellbeing of inmates and potentially prevent future tragedies. The ongoing efforts to provide better support systems may create a safer environment for individuals in custody.

The Stony Mountain Institution’s response to these findings reflects a commitment to improving inmate safety and addressing the underlying issues contributing to mental health crises within correctional facilities. As the investigation continues, the hope is that these changes will lead to a significant reduction in suicide risks for inmates across the institution.