The BC Coroners Service has issued a statement to clarify issues surrounding the remains of one of the deceased found on the Pickton farm in 2002.

The BC Coroners Service wishes to emphasize that the remains discussed in a Jan. 28, 2015, news conference by the mother of victim Stephanie Lane do not represent new evidence.

The remains returned to Ms. Lane’s family were fully known and identified as part of the original police investigation.

The remains were stored properly and securely, using facilities of the RCMP and the BC Coroners Service, from the time of their recovery until they were repatriated to Ms. Lane’s family in September 2014.

The sole issue is the unfortunate delay in returning the remains to the family of Ms. Lane, following completion of the criminal proceedings against Mr. Pickton. The BC Coroners Service regrets it cannot explain this delay as none of the current senior management team were in their positions at the time, and those who were involved are no longer employed by the BC Coroners Service.

The BC Coroners Service has apologized to the family of Ms. Lane, and does continue to extend its sincere apologies for any further stress caused them by the delay.

Contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 or 250 213-5020