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By Marty Hastings

Randy Lampreau

Inquest to probe 2019 death in Kamloops RCMP cells

Jun 24, 2024 | 6:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) will hold an inquest into the death of Randy Dale Lampreau at the Kamloops Law Courts, with proceedings set to begin at 9:30 a.m. on July 22.

Lampreau was found dead in a Kamloops RCMP jail cell in March of 2019.

Inquests are mandatory for any deaths that occur while a person was detained by or in the custody of a peace officer, according to the Coroners Act.

A BC Coroners Service report in 2019 concluded the cause of death was inflammation of the heart muscles. Methamphetamine toxicity was also reported as a significant factor in Lampreau’s death.

An investigation by the Independent Investigations Office found that police did nothing wrong in terms of handling Lampreau after he was brought in, but questions were raised about intoxicated people being detained.

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The death of 49-year-old Lampreau was reported to BCCS on March 13, 2019, following events involving the RCMP.

After being presented with the results of an investigation into his death in July of 2019, Lampreau’s family said it will continue to push for systemic change in the handling of those who are intoxicated while detained.

A coroner’s inquest is a public inquiry that serves three primary functions, according to a BCSS release:

• to determine the facts related to a death, including the identity of the deceased and how, when, where and by what means the individual came to their death, as well as a classification for the death;
• to make recommendations, where appropriate and supported by evidence, to prevent deaths in similar circumstances;
• and to ensure public confidence that the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual will not be overlooked, concealed or ignored.

Kimberly Isbister, presiding coroner, and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding this death.

The jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths under similar circumstances.

A jury must not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law.