Image: Modfos / Dreamstime

By Alyssa Conti

INMATE DEATH

Inmate serving life sentence dies from illness in Abbotsford prison

Jul 25, 2025 | 1:19 PM

ABBOTSFORD — Correctional Service Canada (CSC) has now reported the death of an 82-year-old inmate from an Abbotsford facility earlier this week.

James Talbot had been in custody at the Pacific Institution and Regional Treatment Centre when he died on Wednesday (July 23).

At the time of his death, he had been serving a life sentence that began on March 13, 1986.

The CSC typically won’t reveal deceased inmates’ convictions, but an archival news photo reveals a Toronto man named James Talbot confessing to murder on January 28, 1985.

“Confession: Sergeant Michael Boyd (left) says James Talbot confessed to murder” Source: Cal Millar / Toronto Star / 1985

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Talbot’s next of kin have been notified.

As with all cases involving an inmate’s death, Corrections Canada will review the circumstances and notify police and the coroner.