The BC Coroners Service has rescheduled a public inquest into the death of Peter John De Groot.

The inquest is scheduled to begin on Sept. 27, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. at the Nelson Courthouse (320 Ward St.). It was originally scheduled for May 19, 2020, at the Rossland Courthouse, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The death of De Groot, 45, was reported to the BC Coroners Service on Oct. 13, 2014, following a police-involved incident at a cabin near Slocan.

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.

Margaret Janzen, 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 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 will be open to the public, but seating will be limited.

Livestreaming allows the public and media to virtually attend an inquest. 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 live video stream and its content is prohibited.

Learn More:

To access the livestream:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts/inquestlivestream

For more information on inquests:
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/