Date announced for inquest into the death of Sabrina Van Vessem

NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL
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Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner for West Region, Hamilton Office, announced today that a date has been scheduled for the inquest into the death of Sabrina Van Vessem. The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. Dr. Geoffrey Bond will be the presiding officer and Jai Dhar will be the inquest counsel.

Ms. Van Vessem, 24, died on May 21, 2020, while in custody at the Niagara Regional Police Service Headquarters. An inquest into her death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Ms. Van Vessem’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.

The inquest is expected to last five days and hear from approximately nine witnesses.

The inquest will be conducted by video conference. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live at the link provided below.

https://firstclassfacilitation.ca/office-of-the-chief-coroner/inquest-into-the-death-of-Sabrina-Van-Vessem/

For more information about inquests, see: https://www.ontario.ca/page/coroners-inquests.

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