A standing hearing will take place in Brandon on July 6, 2026, to decide who gets to take part in the upcoming inquest into the death of a Headingley man who died of a methamphetamine overdose after being arrested by Brandon police nearly three years ago.
Sean Paul Connors, 41, was taken into custody by the Brandon Police Service on August 19, 2023, for flight from police, breach of release, and drug-related offences. While in a cell at the Brandon Police Station, he told officers he had swallowed methamphetamine. His condition quickly worsened, and he was rushed to Brandon Regional Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy later confirmed the cause of death was a methamphetamine overdose.
The standing hearing is set for 10 a.m. in Courtroom 102 at the Brandon Courthouse on 1104 Princess Avenue. People or groups who want standing to participate in the full inquest must contact inquest counsel Kerry UnRuh by June 26, 2026, at 204-949-1710 or [email protected].
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, the province’s police watchdog, looked into the death and decided in May 2025 not to lay any charges. The inquest was called by Manitoba’s chief medical examiner under the Fatality Inquiries Act. The goal is to examine the circumstances around the death and suggest ways to prevent similar tragedies.
The IIU report, which included video footage from the cells, found that 16 minutes passed between the first time officers checked on Connors and when an ambulance was called. Medical help arrived about seven minutes after that. Family and community groups interested in the case will find out on July 6 if they are allowed to participate in the inquest, where such details will be examined more closely.
