September 25, 2018
Hearing Date Set for Inquest into Death of Taumas Leblanc
A hearing date has been set to determine who can participate at the upcoming inquest into the death of Taumas Justin Leblanc, 20, of Winnipeg.
On the evening of Feb. 12, 2017, members of the Winnipeg Police Service attended to the home of Leblanc in response to a call that he was intoxicated and causing a disturbance. When police entered the home, Leblanc confronted the officers and was restrained. Police called for an ambulance as it appeared Leblanc was in medical distress.
Medication was administered to Leblanc and he was then taken outside the home to be moved into the ambulance, when he was found to be in cardiac arrest. He was taken to Seven Oaks General Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Under The Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest is mandated whenever an individual dies in police custody and therefore 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 Ms. Yasothini Mathu, inquest counsel, at 204-573-0491 or yasothini.mathu@gov.mb.ca by Tuesday, Oct. 9.
The standing hearing will be held on Oct. 12 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 405 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
- 30 -