A coroner’s inquest into the death of a man while in RCMP custody at the Prince George detachment began Monday at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court.
Everett Riley Patrick, 42, of Lake Baine Nation, had his death reported to the BC Coroners Service on April 20, 2020.
Patrick died on April 12, 2020, in hospital, after initially being cleared by medical staff for custody. Hours later, Patrick went into medical distress at the RCMP detachment and was transported to hospital where he was found to be suffering from serious injury.
Coroner’s inquests are mandatory for any deaths that occur while a person is detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.
Presiding coroner Carolyn Maxwell and a jury of five people will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding Patrick’s death.
In attendance on the first day of the inquest were Patrick’s spouse, Jennifer Alexander; counsel representing the attorney general, who acts in the interests of the RCMP; Dr. Matthew Janzen, who saw Patrick at the emergency room; Const. Ross Brown, who escorted Patrick from the hospital and placed him in cells; and Rocky Clelland, an investigator from the Independent Investigations Office.
Clelland investigated Patrick’s time in detention, his death in hospital, and the days and weeks of Patrick’s life leading up to his arrest.
The inquest is held to determine the facts related to the death, make recommendations to prevent deaths in similar circumstances, and ensure public confidence that the death of an individual will not be overlooked, concealed, or ignored.
The IIO first investigated the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s death in 2020, with a call for witnesses to Patrick’s behaviour and activities during the day prior to his involvement with the RCMP.