The BC Coroners Service has scheduled a public inquest into the death of Joceyln Nynah Marsha George beginning at 9:30 a.m. on July 6, 2020, at the Port Alberni Courthouse, located at 2999 Fourth Ave.

The death of George, 18, was reported to the BC Coroners Service on June 24, 2016. George died in hospital in Victoria after transfer from police custody at the Port Alberni RCMP detachment.

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.

Presiding coroner Michael Egilson 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 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:

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

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