Dziekanski coroner's inquest postponed

March 21, 2008
Vancouver Sun

An inquest into the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski -- who died after being Tasered by RCMP officers last year at Vancouver International Airport -- has been postponed.

The delay is to wait for police to finish their investigation, a press release from the office of B.C.'s chief coroner said. Crown counsel and other participants in the inquest will need time to review the police report after it is completed, the release said.

The inquest had been set to start May 5. The release also gave no indication of when police might finish their work nor did it explain why the inquest is waiting for the completion of the police investigation.

The provincial government also has announced a two-phase public inquiry into the Oct. 14 death of Dziekanski. The first phase of the inquiry, to examine the use of Tasers, is expected to be completed by June 30, while the second phase will look at the circumstances surrounding Dziekanski's death.