Man who died after being injured in Bordeaux jail was being illegally detained

The 21 year-old man, who died in hospital after suffering injuries at the Bordeaux jail in Montreal was being detained illegally.

A spokesperson for the Quebec Public Security Department has confirmed Nicous D’Andre Spring should have been liberated on December 23 – one day before his death – following a virtual bail hearing.

Marie-Josée Montminy says two other inmates were also being detained illegally as they should have been released the same day as the bail hearing, but were released on December 24.

In an email, she said that the department takes the situation seriously and has “already applied administrative measures to certain staff members while it sheds light on the events.”

A correctional officer has been suspended following the death of D’Andre Spring, Montminy confirmed.

Provincial police and the coroner’s office are investigating. The Public Security Department, Montminy added, “is committed to actively collaborating with these two entities.”

She says they will also mandate the Direction de l’audit interne, des enquêtes et de l’inspection, to conduct an administrative investigation on the circumstances as well as the illegal detention. Adding corrective measures may be taken if necessary.

The public security minister took to Twitter saying he wants to know what happened.

Je veux que toute la lumière soit faite sur ces événements. Pour ce faire, plusieurs enquêtes sont en cours. Les erreurs commises devront être assumées et répondues. Mon ministère suivra les recommandations qui pourraient être faites à la suite des enquêtes. https://t.co/9YsrZ3864o

— François Bonnardel (@fbonnardelCAQ) December 29, 2022

Provincial police spokesperson Nicolas Scholtus said Wednesday an autopsy will be performed to determine the causes and circumstances of the inmate’s death. Scholtus added that it was too early to say whether charges would be brought in connection with man’s death.

Authorities are not releasing details of the incident during which the man was injured or the charges that led to his arrest and detention.

The Montreal detention centre, known as Bordeaux jail, is located in the city’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.

HONOURING THE VICTIM’S MEMORY

A GoFundMe campaign was set up by the Spring family on Wednesday, December 28th and has already accumulated more than $4,000 worth of donations.

The family described Nicous D’Andre Spring as “sweet, generous, kind” and “always seen with a smile on his face.”

According to the GoFundMe, the Spring family is asking for support as they prepare to say goodbye to Nicous D’Andre Spring and is open to any type of contribution from the community.

A candle light vigil entitled “Long Live YK Lyrical” will be held on Friday, December 30th at 5:45 PM at Benny Park in NDG (6445 Monkland Ave) to commemorate Spring’s memory.

Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Ted Rutland