http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2766987

As the case of the army commander charged with rape and murder unfolds the alleged perpetrator’s attempt to kill himself has  drawn attention to  the prevalence of  suicide in the prison system. While it is not surprising  the suicide rate would be higher in an unpleasant environment such as prison, the article above cites the interesting fact that the rate is higher among pre-trial detainees than among those convicted and sentenced for their crimes. It seems the emotional shock of the drastic change in circumstances caused by recent incarceration together with the stress of uncertainty as to future prospects have a greater impact than  facing long prison sentences with no hope for release.