April 16, 2021
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of Benjiman Richard
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Benjiman Richard, age 23, of Long Plain First Nation.
On April 2, 2019, Manitoba First Nations Police (MFNP) responded to a call that Richard was discharging a firearm in to his residence. When MFNP officers arrived on scene, Richard discharged his firearm at police who returned fire. Richard sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased 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 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 Melissa Carlson, inquest counsel, at 204-918-0925 or melissa.carlson@gov.mb.ca by May 25.
The standing hearing will be held on Friday, May 28 at 9:15 a.m. at the Portage la Prairie Court Office, 20 Third St. SE in Portage la Prairie.
This hearing was previously scheduled for Dec. 15, 2020.
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