Manitoba

Inquest into Stony Mountain inmate's murder now seeking participants

The province has set a date to select who will participate in an inquest into the 2014 killing of an inmate at Stony Mountain Institution.

Duane Taylor, 53, was stabbed in neck and choked while in his cell in 2014

Staff at Stony Mountain Institution, a federal prison north of Winnipeg, found Duane Edward Taylor unresponsive in his cell in August 2014. (CBC)

An inquest into the 2014 killing of an inmate at Stony Mountain Institution is asking those who want to participate to come forward. 

Duane Taylor, 53, was in his cell when he was stabbed in the back of the neck and choked by another inmate in the evening of August 16, 2014.

Taylor had been serving a sentence for first-degree murder since 1982, when he was convicted of raping and killing a two-year-old girl in Kingson, Ont., according to a report from the Kingston-Whig Standard at the time of his death.

That assault took place only 11 days after he was released following a four-year sentence for attempting to rape a four-year-old girl when he was 17, the report states.

Cordell Charles, then 25, was charged in connection with his death. Charles was convicted of first-degree murder in May 2017.

Manitoba's chief medical examiner called an inquest into Taylor's death on May 29. 

On Monday, the province announced the date for the standing hearing to determine who can participate in the inquest and question witnesses.

A judge will grant standing to individuals and groups who want to take part based on their applications.

The hearing will take place on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Manitoba Law Courts complex at 408 York Avenue in Winnipeg.

Those interested in applying have until July 25 to contact the inquest counsel.