The BC Coroners Service has scheduled an inquest into the death of John Michael Murphy.

The inquest will begin on Nov. 12, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners' Court (20th Floor - 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown, Burnaby).

The death of Murphy, 25, was reported to the BC Coroners Service on Aug. 4, 2016, following an altercation at the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre. The Coroners Act permits the chief coroner to hold an inquest if the public has an interest in being informed of the circumstances surrounding a death, or if the death resulted from a dangerous practice or circumstance.

Larry Marzinzik, presiding coroner, and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding this death. The jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances. A jury must not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law.

An inquest is a formal process that allows for public presentation of evidence relating to a death. The jury will officially determine the identity of the deceased and how, where, when and by what means death occurred.

The BC Coroners Service looks to gather the facts surrounding a death. It is not a fault-finding agency. It provides an independent service to the family, community, government agencies and other organizations.

Learn More:

BC Coroners Service: http://www.gov.bc.ca/coroners/

For more information on inquests, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts