Inquest Date Set Regarding Pelletier Shooting

Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 14:46

 

 

The coroner’s office has announced that two inquests probing the deaths of two Aboriginal men will take place next month.

 

The first one will be held June 2nd to June 6th at the bingo hall on the Muskowekwan First Nation regarding the death of 44-year-old Delbert Kenneth Pelletier.

 

He died in a hail of gunfire after engaging police in an eight-hour standoff on the reserve in November, 2006.

 

The authorities contend he fired first before they responded.

 

The case drew headlines around the province, and prompted outcries from band officials and family members who felt Pelletier was dealt with too harshly.

 

The second inquest is being held concerning the death of 20-year-old Tyrone Starblanket.

 

He died on March 12th, 2007 at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert.

 

Details are sketchy, but a spokesperson for the Attorney General says Starblanket was taken to emergency that day with an unspecified problem.

 

He was treated, but died shortly after being admitted to hospital.

 

More details are expected to emerge at the inquest, which will take place on June 9th and 10th at Court of Queen’s Bench in Prince Albert.