Eugene Desjarlais (CNW Group/Correctional Services of Canada Prairie Region)

By Nigel Maxwell

Corrections

Minimum security inmate dies while at large

Jul 22, 2021 | 10:10 AM

A man who escaped from the Willow Cree Healing Lodge last week, has died.

Wednesday evening, Correctional Services of Canada confirmed Eugene Desjarlais, an inmate at the minimum security federal institution, was pronounced deceased on Tuesday.

He had been missing from the facility since July 13.

At the time of his death, Desjarlais had been serving a sentence of two years, five months, and two days for two convictions related to breaking and entering. Desjarlais was sentenced on March 11.

The inmate’s next of kin have been notified of his death. In Wednesday’s release there was no mention of a cause of death, or whether it was being investigated.

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“We take the death of an inmate very seriously. The loss of a life is a tragedy at any time. Due to restrictions under the Privacy Act and out of respect for Mr. Desjarlais’ family, we are unable to provide any additional information. Please note that the Coroner will determine the cause of death,” the CSC said in a follow up statement to paNOW.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell