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By Dave Barry

Inquest Scheduled

Inquest set to examine 2020 death in Lytton

Jun 16, 2023 | 12:57 PM

BURNABY — The BC Coroners Service has set the date of an inquest into the death of Howard Barry Shantz.

The death of the 63-year-old Shantz was reported to the Coroner by Lytton RCMP on January 13, 2020.

Shantz died following a standoff with police at a home in the 1000-block of McIntyre Road in Lytton.

The inquest is scheduled for July 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners Court.

A coroner’s inquest is a public inquiry that serves three primary functions:

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• 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.

Lyn Blenkinsop, 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.