The RNC’s investigation is continuing following news that 33-year-old inmate Jonathan Henoche’s cause of death has been ruled a homicide.

Henoche died at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary on November 6.

He was awaiting trial in the 2016 murder of 88-year-old Regula Schule – a respected resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay who was well-known for her humanitarian work.

At the time, NAPE told VOCM News that preliminary information indicated there was an interaction with Henoche and correctional officers prior to his death.

Henoche’s lawyer says he will be renewing his calls for an inquiry into his client’s death.

Bob Buckingham says the statement from the RNC yesterday is a positive one in that the matter is being pursued as a criminal investigation.

He does note, however, that he is surprised by the amount of time it took for the homicide ruling to come out.

Buckingham says there are a lot of points that need to be addressed, not just with the death, but HMP as a whole. From a lack of appropriate legislation to govern it, to problems with senior management, to a lack of training for guards, he says there are numerous issues that need to be looked at.

NAPE—which represents corrections officers—and the RNC declined to provide further comment at this time, as the matter is under investigation.