December 9, 2019
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of William Saunders
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of William Saunders, 18, of Eriksdale.
On Nov. 14, 2017, Saunders escaped from custody while being escorted by the RCMP detachment in Lundar to the Winnipeg Remand Centre. During an initial altercation, an officer was injured and discharged his firearm. Saunders fled in the police vehicle, but was later located and pursued by the RCMP. In the early hours of Nov. 15, the vehicle became stuck in a ditch. When Saunders exited the vehicle, he was shot by RCMP. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Under The Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who can participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may make an application to be granted standing and participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Ashleigh Smith, inquest counsel, at 204-945-2852 or ashleigh.smith2@gov.mb.ca by Friday, Jan. 3, 2020.
The standing hearing will be held on Jan. 24, 2020, at 9 a.m. in courtroom 404 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
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