Dates confirmed for inquest into deaths of Mary Ann Garlow and Dennis James Guay

VICTORIA - A coroner's inquest into the deaths of Mary Ann Garlow and Dennis James Guay will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Burnaby Coroners' Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown, Burnaby).

The deaths of Garlow, 63, and Guay, 53, were reported to the BC Coroners Service on April 22, 2022.

Under Section 19(1) of the Coroners Act, the minister of public safety and solicitor general may order an inquest if the minister is satisfied it is necessary or desirable in the public interest that an inquest be held.

A coroner's inquest is a public inquiry that serves three primary functions:

• 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.

John Knox, presiding coroner, and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding these deaths. The jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances. A jury must not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law.

Livestreaming allows the public and media to virtually attend an inquest. The same rules apply as for in-person attendance at an inquest. Reproduction, broadcasting and publishing, including through social media, of inquest proceedings is prohibited. 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. Accredited media members must provide proof to the sheriff and visibly display their accreditation at all times when they are recording or using electronic devices in court. Recording for any other purpose or by anyone without appropriate accreditation is strictly prohibited.

To access the livestream, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts/inquestlivestream

Learn More:

For more information about inquests, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts

BC Coroners Service: http://www.gov.bc.ca/coroners/

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