During an inquest probing the tragic deaths of a family in Prince Rupert, B.C. in 2023, a doctor revealed that the father, Christopher Duong, showed no signs of suicidal or homicidal intentions just days before the incident.
Dr. Gerald Belgardt, who had been Duong’s family physician for many years, shared during the inquiry that Duong appeared friendly and cooperative during a psychiatric evaluation at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital on June 10, 2023.
In a surprising twist, it was disclosed by inquest counsel Steven Liu that a search history on Duong’s device included terms related to painless suicide methods following his passing.
Duong was taken to the hospital under the Mental Health Act after a peculiar incident where he claimed his family was in danger of being targeted in a “hit.” Despite being released shortly after admission, tragedy struck on June 13, when Duong, his wife Janet Nguyen, and their two young sons were discovered deceased.
While allegations from the past described Duong as a criminal figure, the inquest indicated that he had denied any suicidal or homicidal intentions to his doctor before the incident.
The doctor expressed deep sorrow upon learning of the family’s demise, emphasizing the lasting impact it had on him.