The BC Coroners Service has scheduled a public inquest into the death of Alexander Charles Joseph.

The inquest will take place, beginning on Aug. 9, 2021, at the law courts in Prince George at 250 George St.

The death of Joseph, 36, was reported to the BC Coroners Service on Oct. 4, 2018. Joseph died in a BC Corrections Branch vehicle on Highway 97 near 100 Mile House while being transported from Prince George to Maple Ridge.

The Coroners Act permits the chief coroner to direct an inquest if the chief coroner has reason to believe the public has an interest in being informed about the circumstances surrounding a death, or the death resulted from a dangerous practice or circumstance and similar deaths could be prevented through recommendations. 

Lyn Blenkinsop, 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 certify the identity of the deceased and how, where, when and by what means death occurred.

The inquest is open to the public. However, seating will be limited.

Livestreaming allows the public and media to virtually attend an inquest when COVID-19 measures prevent or limit physical attendance as they do now. The same rules apply as for in-person attendance at an inquest. Reproduction, broadcasting and publishing, including through social media, of the BC Coroners Service’s live video stream and its content is prohibited. To access the livestream, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts/inquestlivestream

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/