TORONTO - Ontario's deputy chief coroner for inquests says the inquest into the death of Ashley Smith will begin next month in Toronto.
Smith was 19 when she died on October 19th, 2007, while she was an inmate at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener.
The inquest is to start January 14th and will examine the events surrounding Smith's death and possibly make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.
The inquest is expected to last a minimum of six months and is to hear from more than 50 witnesses.
Smith, who was from Moncton in New Brunswick, choked to death as guards essentially stood by.
She spent most of her last year in solitary confinement exhibiting self-harming behaviours.
Smith had been transferred 17 times among nine prisons in five provinces.
