Charles Wheeliker, who pleaded guilty to the murder of his roommate and partner in 2013, has passed away in Matsqui Institution. (Image Credit: Canadian Press)

By Alyssa Conti

Inmate Death

Nova Scotia man who fatally strangled partner dies in Abbotsford prison

Mar 21, 2026 | 9:22 AM

ABBOTSFORD — A Cape Breton man who was convicted of murdering his roommate and partner has died in a medium-security federal prison of what officials say were natural causes.

Correctional Services Canada (CSC) says Charles Wheeliker, an inmate at Matsqui Institution, died on Tuesday, March 17, while in custody.

The 59-year-old inmate had been serving a life sentence that began on December 17, 2013, after he pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Sydney man Troy Francis Johnston.

Court proceedings from 2013 read that Wheeliker strangled the 35-year-old with a belt during an argument about Johnston’s ex-girlfriend – which Justice Simon MacDonald referred to as a “crime of jealousy”.

Both men had been intoxicated from pills and alcohol at the time of the incident.

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Wheeliker’s next of kin have been notified.

As per routine, CSC will review the circumstances of his death and notify police and the coroner.