News release

RCMP Major Crimes Unit charge individual for Drumheller Institution homicide

December 18, 2025 - Drumheller, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

Content

Drumheller, Alta. - On Nov. 4, 2025, at 4:23 p.m., Drumheller RCMP responded to an assault complaint at the Drumheller Institution. It was reported that one prisoner entered the cell of another and an altercation ensued. The victim was located unconscious a short time later by staff and was transported to a Calgary hospital with serious life-threateninginjuries. On Nov. 7, 2025, RCMP Major Crimes took carriage of the investigation.

On Dec. 13, 2025, the victim, a 55-year-old, resident of the Drumheller Institution, succumbed to their injuries. On Dec. 16, 2025, an autopsy of the victim was completed at the Calgary Medical Examiner's Office, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.

On Dec. 17, 2025, Major Crimes Investigators, with support of the Interview Assistance Team, arrested the suspect at the Edmonton Institution. A 40-year-old has been charged with manslaughter.

They will next appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Jan. 9, 2026. 

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