VANCOUVER -- The BC Coroners Service has announced that a public inquest will be held into the death of Surinder Singh Mahli.

The inquest will take place from Jan. 20 through 24, 2014, at the Coroners Court in Burnaby.

Mr. Mahli, aged 58, died on Dec. 30, 2011, at Surrey Memorial Hospital. He had been taken to hospital on Dec. 26, 2011, after being found unresponsive in the cells at the Surrey RCMP lockup.

Presiding coroner Margaret Janzen 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: Jan. 20 - 24, 2014.
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