The BC Coroners Service has scheduled a public inquest into the deaths of two people who died in Granisle in April 2016.  

The inquests into the deaths of Jovan Christopher Williams, 39, and Shirley Beatrice Williams, 73, will begin at 9:30 a.m. on June 15, 2020, at the Smithers Courthouse located at 3793 Alfred St.

The deaths were reported to the BC Coroners Service on April 21, 2016, by RCMP officers following a police altercation.

Under Section 18(2) of the Coroners Act, inquests are mandatory for any deaths that occur while a person was detained by, or in the custody of, a peace officer.

Larry Marzinzik, presiding coroner, and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding these deaths. 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 certify 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 why a death took place. 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