Ontario Coroner to Examine Circumstances Surrounding 2019 Death of Inmate
Jury May Make Recommendations to Help Prevent Similar Deaths
An inquest will be held into the death of Levi Brown, a 29-year-old man who died in hospital after being transferred from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Wednesday.
Dr. Kenneth Peckham, regional supervising coroner for the Central Region’s Central West Office, said the inquest is being convened under the requirements of Ontario’s Coroners Act, which mandates inquests in certain custodial deaths.
“Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Central West Office, has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Levi Brown.”
Brown died on Dec. 10, 2019, after being transported from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex to hospital. Officials did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances of his medical condition or the events leading to his transfer.
“Mr. Brown, 29 years old, died in hospital on December 10, 2019, after being transferred from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.”
Coroners’ inquests in Ontario are public proceedings designed to investigate the facts surrounding a death. While they do not assign legal blame or determine criminal or civil liability, juries hearing the evidence may issue non-binding recommendations intended to improve public safety and prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.
“The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Brown’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.”
The Ministry of the Solicitor General said additional details about the proceedings, including the date and location of the inquest, will be released at a later time.
“Further details regarding the inquest, including the date and venue, will be provided at a later date.”
Maplehurst Correctional Complex, located in Milton, is a provincially operated correctional facility that houses remanded and sentenced inmates. Deaths occurring in custody or involving individuals detained in correctional institutions can trigger mandatory inquests under provincial legislation, depending on the circumstances.
The forthcoming proceeding will allow a jury to hear evidence from witnesses and review the circumstances surrounding Brown’s death before determining whether recommendations should be made to provincial authorities or correctional institutions.
Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner oversees inquests across the province and publishes jury recommendations following proceedings.
Further information about Ontario coroners’ inquests is available through the provincial government.