THUNDER BAY — More than five years after a man who had been in Thunder Bay Police custody died, an inquest will take place.
Emmanuel Oruitemeka, 25, died in Thunder Bay hospital on Feb. 16, 2014, after collapsing while in police custody four days earlier.
An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act.
Dr. Michael Wilson, the regional supervising coroner, says four days have been set aside for the inquest starting Dec.16 at the Thunder Bay courthouse.
Approximately 13 witnesses are expected to testify.
Dr. Bob Reddoch will preside as inquest coroner.
According to Dr. Wilson, it is not exceptionally unusual for inquests to be held several years after an individual has died.
Among the factors that contributed to the lengthy interval in this instance, he said, were process changes and the unavailability of the coroner who was to be assigned,
Dr. Wilson noted that when the deceased is from another community, it adds to the complexities involved in scheduling pre-inquest meetings..
