Coroner sought inquest into Native man's death

The coroner who investigated the death of a Native man in Vancouver, British Columbia, said she asked for an inquest into the case.

Jeanine Robinson, who was a regional coroner, ruled Frank Paul's death in December 1998 an accident. But under questioning from an attorney for Paul's family, she said it was possible she could have ruled it was homicide.

Robinson also said she asked the chief coroner for an inquiry. But she said Larry Campbell refused the request, saying Paul's death did not happen in police custody.

Paul, who was Mi'kmaq from New Brunswick, was taken to a "drunk tank" on the night he was last seen alive. He was dragged out of the police station and left in an alley on a cold and rainy night.

Get the Story:
Frank Paul's death could have been ruled homicide, inquiry told (CBC 1/23)

Relevant Documents:
Frank Joseph Paul: REASONS FOR DECISION (January 20, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs - http://www.ubcic.bc.ca

Related Stories:
Officer contradicts testimony in Native death inquiry (01/10)
Ex-sergeant admits mistake in Native man's death (1/9)
Inquiry into Native man's death in alley resumes (1/8)
Inquiry into Native man's death begins in B.C. (11/15)
Former judge to lead inquiry into Native man's death (3/12)
Inquiry called into Native man's police-related death (2/23)
First Nations seek inquiry into police-related death (2/21)
Police won't face charges for dumping Native man (06/21)
Native man's death in B.C. getting another review (03/26)
B.C. First Nations demand inquiry into man's death (3/22)
B.C. inquiry rejected into death of Native man (3/19)
B.C. police reopen probe into death of Native man (06/25)
Native family wants inquiry into son's death (06/09)
B.C. official under fire for Native remarks (04/9)