RCMP investigating inmate death at Sask. Penitentiary

Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert

An inmate at Saskatchewan Penitentiary has died following an altercation involving several other inmates, according to authorities.

On Wednesday, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) issued a news release reporting Horace Bear had died due to injuries sustained in the altercation, while two other inmates required medical intervention.

CSC said the altercation occurred on April 21, 2026.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s homicide investigation unit will be investigating as Bear’s death has been deemed suspicious.

Bear was in the middle of serving a sentence of two years, nine months and 24 days, starting on Dec. 13, 2024. His next of kin have been notified.

“The two injured inmates were evaluated by CSC staff and transported to an outside hospital for treatment,” read the CSC release.

“One inmate was treated for his injuries and returned to the institution later that evening, while another inmate remains hospitalized. No staff members were injured during the incident.”

Bear and the other inmates involved were in the penitentiary’s maximum-security unit, which went into lockdown and modified its operations to ensure the safety of “the institution, its staff and inmates, and to allow for CSC and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to conduct investigations.”

CSC said it will review the circumstances. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service has been notified.

RCMP said it was unable to provide any additional details regarding the investigation.