A corrections officer at Bordeaux prison in Montreal has been temporarily suspended following the death of a 21-year-old inmate. Two investigations are ongoing.
On December 24, Nicous D’Andre Spring was taken by ambulance to a hospital after losing consciousness due to a “physical intervention” that occurred in the afternoon at the Bordeaux prison. His death was found in the hospital the next day, confirms by email the Ministry of Public Security (MSP), which has started “an administrative investigation” to shed light on this case.
As part of “the preliminary analysis of the events by the deputy ministry of correctional services of the MSP”, a correctional services officer from the Bordeaux penal establishment “has been temporarily relieved of his duties”, adds a spokesperson. from the MSP, Marie-Josée Montminy.
The division of crimes against the person of the Sûreté du Québec is also conducting an investigation. An autopsy must take place in the coming days in order to understand the causes and circumstances of the death of the detainee, confirms to the Homework a spokesperson for the police force.
“It is up to the police to determine whether charges should be laid following a criminal investigation and to the coroner to determine the cause of death,” explains Ms.me Montminy.
It is currently unknown the exact circumstances of Nicous D’Andre Spring’s death and the role that corrections officers may have played in it.
Candlelight Vigil
Nicous D’Andre Spring was being held pending trial in connection with counts of assault, assault of a peace officer, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failure to comply with an order.
The young man was known to residents of his neighborhood of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, in particular as a rap singer. A candlelight vigil will also take place on Friday evening to pay tribute to him in a park in the area.
“He was gentle, generous, kind, handsome and loving above all else. He was always seen with a smile on his face. Nicous loved his family very much, he always visited when he could, greeting us with big hugs and he was always there when we needed him. May he rest in eternal peace, ”wrote the sister of the deceased as part of an online fundraiser aimed at financing his funeral. Thursday morning, it had raised more than $4,000.