The BC Coroners Service has scheduled a public inquest into the death of Traevon Desjarlais, which will begin on Nov. 28, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown, Burnaby).

The death of Traevon Desjarlais, 17, was reported to the BC Coroners Service by the Abbotsford Police Department on Sept. 18, 2020.

Under Section 18(3)(a) of the Coroners Act, the chief coroner may direct a coroner to hold an inquest if the chief coroner has reason to believe that the public has an interest in being informed of the circumstances surrounding a death.

A coroner’s inquest is a public inquiry that serves three primary functions:

• To determine the facts related to a death including the identity of the deceased and how, when, where and by what means the individual came to their death, as well as a classification for the death.
• To make recommendations, where appropriate and supported by evidence, to prevent deaths in similar circumstances.
• To ensure public confidence that the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual will not be overlooked, concealed or ignored.

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.

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

Live streaming allows the public and media to virtually attend an inquest when COVID-19 measures limit physical attendance. 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. To access the live stream, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts/inquestlivestream

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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/