A coroner's inquest will look into the circumstances surrounding the 2023 deaths of a Prince Rupert family.
On Sept. 4, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued a press release stating that an inquest will be held at the Burnaby Coroner's Court starting Oct. 6 to look into the deaths of Janet Nguyen, Christopher Duong, and Alexander and Harlan Duong.
The family of four was found dead in their Prince Rupert home on Silverside Drive on June 13, 2023.
At the time of their deaths, Nguyen was 35-years-old, Christopher was 38, Alexander was four and Harlan was two. The RCMP's major crimes unit launched a homicide probe and stated that there was no threat to the public.
"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," the ministry stated.
The inquest is a non-fault-finding public inquiry that helps determine the facts relating to a death, such as the identity of the deceased and how, when, where and by what means the individual came to their death.
Coroner's juries usually make recommendations to prevent deaths under similar circumstances and asures the public that the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual will not be overlooked, ignored or concealed.
Coroner Larry Markinik and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding the four deaths.
"The jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations, though, the jury must not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law," the ministry stated.
