Released on June 27, 2001
Justice Minister Chris Axworthy has ordered an inquest into the death of
Rodney Hank Naistus to inform the public of the circumstances surrounding
his death.
The head office of the Public Prosecutions Division, Saskatchewan Justice,
determined there is no basis for any criminal charges in this case. The
investigation of Naistus's death was part of the RCMP investigation into
allegations against Saskatoon City Police.
The body of the 25-year-old man was found in the late morning of January
29th, 2000, in the South West Industrial area of Saskatoon. Prior to his
death, he had been staying with friends and relatives in Saskatoon. He was
last seen alive in the early morning hours on January 29th, 2000, in
downtown Saskatoon.
The inquest will be held in Saskatoon at a date, time and place to be
announced in the near future by Saskatchewan's chief coroner.
Inquests are open to the public. Evidence is given before a six-person
jury, summoned at random. In addition to establishing when and where the
death occurred and the medical cause of death, the coroner's jury may make
recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Bohach
Justice
Regina
Phone: 787-5657