ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Telegram
An independent investigation is underway after a 35-year-old man died Thursday night in a cell at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP detachment.
The RCMP informed the Serious Incident Response Team Newfoundland and Labrador (SIRT-NL) of the 35-year-old’s death and requested the investigation.
According to RCMP, the man was put in the cell Thursday evening after he was taken into custody following a complaint. They didn’t indicate how long after that the man was found dead.
In a separate news release, SIRT-NL director Mike King confirmed he was notified of the man’s death and said he has requested that the RNC conduct the independent investigation, with SIRT-NL oversight.
“The SIRT-NL has engaged the RNC, as SIRT-NL is still in the process of developing its team,” said King, who was appointed director civilian-led oversight agency in September 2019.
“The SIRT-NL will oversee and review the investigation.”
King said once it’s fully operational, the SIRT-NL will conduct its own investigations into serious incidents involving serious injury, death, sexual offence, domestic violence or any matter of significant public interest arising from the actions of a police officer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The RCMP and King opted not to comment further, as the investigation is ongoing.
King said an update will be provided once the investigation has concluded.
