News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

May 4, 2021

Standing Hearing for Inquest into Deaths of Gagnon, Bagot, Thompson, Fosseneuve, Cochrane and Chommany



A standing hearing to determine who can participate in upcoming inquests into the deaths of Patrick Gagnon, Michael Bagot, Sean Thompson and Matthew Fosseneuve has been rescheduled. This hearing was previously scheduled for March 15, but was cancelled.

This hearing will also determine who can participate in upcoming inquests into the deaths of Randy Cochrane and Viengxay Chommany.

On July 14, 2019, members of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) were patrolling the area near Flora Avenue and Parr Street. They observed an unknown male (Cochrane) walk by their cruiser car. He was bleeding from the head and appeared to be armed with a weapon. A foot pursuit followed, resulting in the WPS apprehending and handcuffing the male. During this process, he became unresponsive. Emergency medical services were requested and resuscitation was initiated in the interim. The male was transported to the hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.

On Aug. 2, 2019, WPS were called to a domestic dispute. Upon their arrival, an unknown male (Chommany) attempted to flee. As a result, WPS deployed an electric conduction weapon (Taser). The male collapsed briefly and then continued running. WPS captured the male, attempted to restrain him physically and deployed the Taser again. He continued to struggle, then became unresponsive. Resuscitation was initiated and he was transported to the hospital. He was pronounced deceased Aug. 4, 2019.

Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest into both of these deaths 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 inquests 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. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Mark Lafreniere, inquest counsel, at 204-391-2245 or mark.lafreniere@gov.mb.ca

This hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. June 1 in courtroom 303 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.

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