Coroner calls inquest into 2023 death of woman at Whitehorse home | CBC News
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Yukon’s coroner has called an inquest into the death of a woman at a home in Whitehorse three years ago.
Kimberly Johnnie died in early January 2023. RCMP said at the time that they had received a report of a deceased woman at a home in the McIntyre subdivision, on Jan. 2, 2023.
Police said the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit was investigating but no other details were released at that time.
Family and friends held a vigil for the woman outside the Whitehorse shelter that week, and identified her as Kimberly Johnnie. RCMP later confirmed it was the same woman.
An inquest is called when the chief coroner has reason to believe a death happened due to violence, unfair means, negligence, misconduct or malpractice. It’s meant to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding a death.
The inquest into Johnnie’s death is scheduled to begin before a six-person jury on Aug. 3, at the courthouse in Whitehorse. The presiding coroner will be Christina Brobby.
The jury will hear evidence from witnesses and can then make recommendations to avoid other deaths in similar circumstances.