Witness testimony unveiled in Dawson Creek RCMP custody death investigation

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A two-week coroners inquest into the death of a 23-year-old woman has begun in Dawson Creek. (Energeticcity.ca )

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A two-week coroners inquest into the death of a 23-year-old woman has begun in Dawson Creek.

The inquest centres around Jaime Hope, who passed away in Dawson Creek RCMP custody on April 13th, 2019.

The B.C. Coroners Service announced the inquest on May 14th, intended to understand the circumstances of Hope’s passing in RCMP custody.

The presiding coroner for the inquest, Larry Marzinzik, and inquest counsel Rolf Warburton, interviewed witnesses throughout the first day’s proceedings.

The first day’s witnesses included Ryan Bumstead, a friend who was arrested with Hope on April 12th, and arresting RCMP constables Karlee Vanhie, Damian Guest, and Christopher Fischer.

Video recordings taken from precinct cameras during Hope’s time in RCMP custody were also reviewed with Vanhie, including those featuring Hope entering the RCMP precinct and later being removed by paramedics.

The jury will hear testimony from witnesses and experts daily throughout the week and commence deliberations after the final witness speaks on June 28th.