A coroner’s inquest will review the deaths of a family of four in Prince Rupert that occurred in June 2023.
On June 13, 2023, Prince Rupert RCMP reported that Janet Nguyen, Christopher Duong, and Alexander and Harlan Duong were found deceased in their home. At the time of the incident, RCMP said there was no risk to the public.
A coroner’s inquest is a public inquiry to determine the facts behind a death and to make recommendations to prevent similar events.
The B.C. government said an inquest will evaluate the situation and provide residents with necessary information.
“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.”
Inquests usually follow a death in police custody, but exceptions can occur at the discretion of the chief coroner.
During an inquest, a jury of five to seven people hears evidence from witnesses who are placed under oath. The jury is restricted to finding facts of the case and not fault. The presiding coroner is responsible for ensuring the jury maintains the goal of fact-finding.
The B.C. government said evidence in an inquest is treated different than in a criminal or civil case.
“The strict rules of evidence for a civil or criminal trial do not apply at a coroner’s inquest, as no one is on trial. The coroner, assisted by inquest counsel, is responsible for determining the evidence that is relevant and admissible for the purposes of the inquest.”
The inquest into the deaths of the Duong-Nguyen family will begin at Burnaby Coroners Court on Oct. 25 at 9:30 a.m.
