B.C. coroner announces inquest into RCMP shooting death of former peacekeeper

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – British Columbia’s coroner’s service will hold a public inquest into the death of Gregory Matters, a former Canadian peacekeeper shot in a confrontation with Mounties.

The 40-year-old was killed in September 2012 at the rural property he shared with his mother near Prince George, B.C.

The coroner will be able to subpoena witnesses and a jury will hear evidence, but the jury is not allowed to make any findings of legal responsibility.

A report released last May by B.C.’s Independent Investigation Office ruled that there was no criminal wrongdoing by RCMP officers when they shot Matters.

The report said Matters was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and when he came at officers with a hatchet, police fired two bullets into his chest.

The inquest will be held from Oct. 7 to 11 at the Prince George courthouse.