A coroner's inquest has been scheduled in the case of a local woman who died while in RCMP custody.
Lindsey Izony, 35, died on July 20, 2019.
The Fort Ware resident, who was visiting Prince George, was arrested by police responding to a disturbance call.
The inquest will be held in Prince George beginning Monday, Oct. 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the courthouse. 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.
Larry Marzinzik, presiding coroner, and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath:
- 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; and
- To ensure public confidence that the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual will not be overlooked, concealed or ignored.
Jurors will then have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances.
This is not a criminal proceeding. The jury can't determine legal responsibility or recommend criminal charges or any other legal recourse.
The inquest can be viewed online, but with rules.
"Livestreaming allows the public and media to virtually attend an inquest," states a notice from the BC Coroners Service. "The same rules apply as for in-person attendance at an inquest. Reproduction, broadcasting and publishing of inquest proceedings is prohibited, including through social media. Supreme Court-accredited media are permitted to record the proceeding solely for the accuracy of their notes; the recording is not to be broadcast in any form."
