IIO to review Myles Gray inquest evidence

British Columbia’s police watchdog says it’s planning on looking at new evidence presented at the coroner’s inquest into the death of Myles Gray.

Ron MacDonald, the chief civilian director of the Independent Investigations Office of BC, says the agency will look to verify some new information that was presented over the 11-day inquest.

“We’re going to confirm what that evidence is, likely by obtaining transcripts. We will review that and we will make a determination as to whether or not this is a matter that ought to be reopened,” he told CityNews.

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On Monday, the five-member inquest jury classified the 33-year-old’s death a homicide. Gray died in 2015 after a beating by Vancouver police officers that left him with significant injuries, such as hemorrhaging in his testicles and fracturing of his eye socket, nose, voice box, and rib.

The jury recommended the Vancouver Police Department fast-track its rollout of body-worn cameras on officers, improve communication with police leadership, and review crisis de-escalation training for officers.

MacDonald says if the new evidence is sufficient, the case may be sent back to the Crown for charges to be considered against the officers involved.

“Certainly, the justice system is familiar dealing with historic-type cases,” he explained. “The real question is: ‘Does this new evidence raise enough new material that a reconsideration of charges may be appropriate?’ And that’s something we’ll be looking at carefully.”

A timeline was not provided for how long the investigation will take, with MacDonald saying it will be done “in a timely manner as we can.”

-With files from Martin MacMahon