VANCOUVER -- The BC Coroners Service has announced new dates for the public inquest into the death of Duncan Leslie Roy Smears.

The inquest will now take place from March 11 through 15, 2013, at the Coroners Court in Burnaby.

Mr. Smears, aged 23, died on July 16, 2011, as Vancouver Police were devising a plan to take him into custody, because he appeared to be suffering from some type of psychotic episode.

Presiding coroner Lisa Graham and a jury will hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses to determine the facts surrounding this death. While the jury may not, by law, make any findings of legal responsibility, it will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances in the future.

An inquest is a formal process that allows for public presentation of evidence relating to a death.

Event Date: March 11 - 15, 2013.

Time: 9 a.m.

Place: Burnaby Coroners Court, 20th floor, MetroTower II, Metrotown, 4720 Kingsway, Burnaby

Contact:

Barbara McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253