Home / Crime and Justice / Inquests Announced for 3 Manitoba Custodial Deaths
Inquests Announced for 3 Manitoba Custodial Deaths
2 Sep
Summary
- Three men died in custody in Manitoba, prompting inquests.
- Deaths occurred at Winnipeg Remand Centre and Headingley Correctional Centre.
- Inquests aim to determine circumstances and prevent future deaths.
Upcoming inquests will investigate the deaths of three men who passed away while in custody in Manitoba. The provincial Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced these proceedings on Tuesday.
Frank Manoakeesick, 52, died on September 15, 2024, after surrendering to Winnipeg police on an arrest warrant. Despite being assessed as stable, he was found unresponsive in his cell and later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy cited atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the cause, with methamphetamine intoxication a contributing factor, and the manner of death was deemed accidental.
Alvin Choken, 36, died on July 14, 2025, at the Winnipeg Remand Centre. He was found hanging in his cell. Despite resuscitation efforts, he suffered an anoxic brain injury and was pronounced deceased. His death was attributed to hanging.
Arley Harper, 29, also died by hanging on December 13, 2025, in his cell at the Headingley Correctional Centre. Correctional officers attempted resuscitation unsuccessfully. Harper was from Island Lake in northeastern Manitoba. These inquests are mandated under Manitoba's Fatalities Inquiries Act to understand the circumstances of these deaths and identify measures to prevent future occurrences.
