Inquest into inmate death at Quinte Detention Centre set for November
October 27, 2023
On Monday, Mar. 8, 2019, Lennox and Addington Paramedic Services responded to the Detention Centre on Richmond Boulevard in Napanee where they found inmate Hendrik Peter Ryskamp unresponsive, as documented by Kingstonist at the time.
According to reports from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at the time, Ryskamp, 31, of Kingston, was pronounced dead at the scene at QDC. However, the Coroner's report states he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. It is unclear why there is a discrepancy between the reports. Police have also not disclosed the reason Ryskamp was in custody.
An investigation into the incident led the OPP to charge Barry Samuel Kerlovich, 41, of Napanee with manslaughter, trafficking of a Schedule 1 substance – opioid (other than heroin), and possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (other than heroin). These charges were laid on Wednesday, Jun. 19, 2019,
In 2021, Kerlovich pleaded guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking and was sentenced to one day with time served. He also has a lifetime weapons prohibition and provided DNA to be held in a federal database.
Dr. Paul Dungey, Regional Supervising Coroner for East Region, Kingston Office, has announced the inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023. Dr. Richard McLean will be the presiding officer. Kristin Smith and Uko Abara will be the inquest counsel.
The inquest will be conducted by video conference, is expected to last seven days and hear from approximately eight witnesses. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live at this link. Kingstonist will provide coverage as the inquest unfolds.
For more information about inquests, see https://www.ontario.ca/page/coroners-inquests.