A coroner’s inquest reviewing the circumstances of the death of a man from the Lake Babine Nation who died in police custody in Prince George almost six years ago is now underway in Burnaby, B.C. 

Everett Riley Patrick died in hospital on April 20, 2020, following events involving the Prince George RCMP detachment.

The 42-year-old was hospitalized eight days earlier after he was taken into custody and went into medical distress, according to B.C.’s police watchdog. 

Presiding coroner Carolyn Maxwell and a five-person jury will hear testimony from witnesses including family members, medical personnel, law enforcement and others to determine the facts surrounding Patrick’s death. 

Circumstances of arrest

Patrick was arrested on the morning of April 12 when police responded to a report of a break and enter at a sporting goods store in downtown Prince George. Police used tear gas and a police service dog in the arrest. 

The B.C. Prosecution Service said Patrick was pulled to the ground by the dog and an officer who struck him did not break his fall – and it was unknown if his head hit the ground.

Patrick was medically cleared at a hospital, but after arriving at the detachment he fell multiple times and was carried to his cell where he was later found in medical distress. 

He died more than a week later from a brain bleed due to blunt force injuries, according to a pathologist report. 

‘Life was about his family’

On Monday, the jury heard from Jennifer Alexander, Patrick’s wife, who told the jury that the father of six was excited to be a father and grandfather, and how proud he was of his children.

She was joined by other members of her family in the gallery.

“He always checked up on his kids, always remembered their birthdays, he always checked up on us. He loved his family,” Alexander said through tears. 

“His life was about his family, but addiction took over.” 

The two met as children, Alexander said, and stuck together a long time. 

Both of them had parents who attended residential schools, and they bonded over their common experiences. Patrick also spent time in foster care. 

Alexander spoke about how Patrick struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol and made several attempts to seek treatment, but was ultimately unsuccessful. 

“It’s devastating,” she said.

Alexander told the inquest that she and the rest of the family “just want answers” into what happened that fateful day in 2020.

A coroner’s inquest is a non-fault-finding inquiry that aims to determine facts related to a death, make recommendations to prevent similar deaths, and ensure public confidence in the process.

Inquests are mandatory for deaths that occur while a person was detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.