Inquest ordered into death of man in Kelowna RCMP custody

The B.C. Coroner’s Service will conduct an inquest into the death of a man in Kelowna RCMP custody.

The inquest into the death of Edward James Waddell will begin June 13 at the Kelowna Law Courts.

The man’s death was reported to the B.C. Coroner’s Service April 1, 2017. He was 40 years old at the time.

No details on why he was arrested were provided, and though the Independent Investigation Office of B.C. did look into the case, it was closed without public report and no details were provided by the police watchdog.

Inquests are mandatory for any death that occurs while an individual is detained by or in custody of a peace officer.

The Coroner’s Service stated the inquest will serve to determine the facts related to the death, including the means and the classification, such as natural, homicide or suicide; to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future; and to ensure public confidence that the circumstances of the death are not overlooked, concealed or ignored.

Margaret Janzen, the presiding coroner, and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath during the inquest to determine the facts surrounding the death.

The jury will then have an opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.

The Coroner’s Service stated the jury will not be permitted to “make any findings of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law” through this inquest.

The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. June 13 at the Kelowna Law Courts. It will be open to the public and will also be livestreamed via Zoom through the B.C. Coroner’s website.