Inmate who died at Saskatoon jail was facing murder charge

An inmate who died at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre was facing a second-degree murder charge.

John Glen MacAulay was pronounced dead Friday, shortly after emergency crews were called to the jail at about 5:30 a.m. He was alone in his cell at the time, according to the Ministry of Justice, Corrections and Policing.

The 46-year-old was facing a second-degree murder charge for the May 2014 death of Norman Playter. He was also accused of offering an indignity to human remains.

Court heard Playter’s body was placed in a fridge for two weeks and then burned.

Both men were members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, RCMP alleged.

MacAulay, who was from North Bay, Ont., was living in Saskatoon at the time of the offence, according to Mounties. Playter had been reported missing to Calgary police and had been visiting the Saskatoon area in the days leading up to his death.

The cause of MacAulay’s death has yet to be released, but police do not suspect foul play.

The justice ministry, the coroner’s office and the Saskatoon police major crimes unit are all investigating.