Inmate who died is alleged biker gang member

An inmate who died on the weekend at the Brandon Correctional Centre has been identified as an alleged high-ranking member of the Rock Machine biker gang.

Jean Paul (J.P.) Beaumont, 39, was found dead on Sunday morning, shortly after 10 a.m. CT.

Brandon police are investigating the death, which they are describing as suspicious.

An autopsy has been ordered. Police have released no details about how Beaumont died.

Beaumont has been convicted of weapons offences and resisting arrest.

CBC News has learned that Beaumont was scheduled to go on trial this Thursday on one count of flight from police.

He had another court date scheduled in November for dangerous driving and alleged breaches of his bail conditions.

Court documents submitted by the Winnipeg Police Service's organized crime unit said Beaumont was the sergeant-at-arms and a full-patch member of the Rock Machine.

The gang has been embroiled in a turf war in Manitoba with the Hells Angels and their puppet clubs.

Beaumont's house was shot at in 2010, and he fled the province because he was on bail at the time. However, he was arrested in Toronto and sent back to Manitoba.