After the second murder of a Don Jail inmate in less than two months, a police source has told CTV Toronto that the situation at the facility could be out of control.
The guard's union has brought forward their concerns about staffing after three violent attacks in the past two months.
Kevon Phillip, 24, was found unconscious on Saturday afternoon and died later that night. He had obvious signs of physical trauma and sources say he was beaten to death in connection with a botched attempt to smuggle drugs.
Phillip was Toronto's first murder victim of 2010.
Phillip was at the facility awaiting deportation to his native Trinidad, as travel documents held up his return home.
He was ordered to be deported after he was convicted of sexual assault and had recently run out of appeals.
His lawyer, reached by CTV Toronto by phone, said Phillip had amassed 25 convictions, mostly for petty crimes, and had no gang affiliations.
Earlier attacks
Jeff Munro, 32, died at the jail on Nov. 7, allegedly beaten over a stolen bag of potato chips. The incident occurred in a part of the jail that has no surveillance cameras. Three men have been charged with first-degree murder in his death.
On Nov. 11, Kevin Pereira was rushed to hospital after being allegedly assaulted by another prisoner who has since been charged. He is recovering from his injuries.
The Don Jail holds short-term prisoners who are generally awaiting trial or sentencing.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Chris Eby
