Inquest into death of First Nations man in Thunder Bay, Ont., in 2012 to start this month

An inquest into the death of a member of Neskantaga First Nation in Thunder Bay, Ont., has been scheduled to begin at the end of the month.

Sherman Kirby Quisses died at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on June 4, 2012, following an altercation at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre. He died days before he was meant to be released.

According to police, Quisses was hurt with a sharp object during an argument with another inmate, CBC News previously reported.

Dr. Kevin Miller, regional supervising coroner for the north region, announced Monday that the inquest into Quisses' death will begin on Feb. 24 at 9:30 a.m. by video conference.

Dr. David Eden will be the presiding officer, while Christina Varrette and David Kirk will be the inquest counsel, according to Monday's news release from the ministry of the solicitor general.

The inquest is expected to last 15 days and hear from about 19 witnesses.

Adam Capay was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Quisses' death. However, the 19-year-old from Lac Seul First Nation never made it to trial; the charge was stayed after Capay spent more than four years in solitary confinement.

Capay's case drew national attention in 2016 when Renu Mandhane, chief of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, toured the jail and met Capay, who was being kept alone in his cell for 23 hours a day with the lights on.

While Monday's news release says Quisses was 35 when he died, CBC News has previously reported his family saying he was 34.

"The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Quisses' death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths," it says.

Those who wish to view the proceedings can access the livestream link here.