Sask. jail guard was watching YouTube videos as inmate died in cell, inquest hears

The family of a 31-year-old woman found dead in her jail cell is hoping they'll get answers and find closure at a public inquest this week.

The family of a 31-year-old woman found dead in her jail cell is hoping they'll get answers and find closure at a public inquest this week.

A council consisting of family members, lawyers and five jury members heard witness testimony Monday on the death of Cassandra Ross, a Pine Grove Correctional Centre inmate.

The council heard Ross hung herself with a bed sheet the evening of July 29, 2020.

Ross was incarcerated five days before her death for suspected arson. During intake she told the nurse she didn’t want her medications for ADHD, depression and schizophrenia.

In the hours leading up to her death, she asked former Pine Grove nurse Jackie Valois to fill her prescriptions. Valois said Cassandra didn’t show signs of suicidal behaviour during their visit.

Video surveillance showed Cassandra used a gap between the concrete wall and her bed frame as a ligature point.

She wrapped a sheet around her neck at 5:19 p.m. It took about five minutes before she stopped moving.