B.C. Inquest: Family Says RCMP Shooting of Indigenous Man Was Unjustified
A coroner's inquest into the 2021 death of Julian Jones, a 28-year-old member of the Tla-o-quiaht First Nation, heard starkly conflicting accounts this week. The victim's brother testified that Jones was unarmed and non-aggressive when RCMP officers shot him, directly contradicting police testimony that the man threatened them with weapons.
What happened the night Julian Jones was killed?
John Lucas Jr., Jones's brother, told the inquest in Port Alberni, British Columbia, that the two men had been drinking and using cannabis on the night of February 27, 2021. He denied that either man sexually assaulted a woman who had called 911, insisting they wanted her to leave their home in Opitsaht, a small First Nations community on Meares Island.
Lucas's account of the shooting differs dramatically from that of the RCMP officer involved. He testified that police fired five shots at his brother, not the three previously described, and that officers deployed a Taser after Jones had been shot, not before. He also stated police did not identify themselves at the door, a claim the officer disputed.
What did the RCMP officer testify?
Earlier in the proceedings, the responding officer told the jury that Jones brandished what appeared to be knives, threatened to kill him and his partner, and advanced on them. The officer said Jones clashed two long objects together, creating sparks, which later turned out to be metal files used for sharpening tools. He testified that Jones refused orders to drop the objects.
What does the forensic evidence show?
Dr. Elizabeth Brooks-Lim, a forensic pathologist with the B.C. Coroners Service, detailed that Jones suffered two gunshot wound paths causing major damage to his lungs and heart. She stated the injuries would have caused death nearly instantaneously. The autopsy also found evidence of two Taser probe impacts.
Toxicology reports showed Jones had a moderate level of alcohol and THC in his blood at the time of death. Expert Aaron Shapiro noted that while alcohol levels indicate some impairment, THC concentrations can rise after death, making it impossible to determine the level of cannabis impairment.
Why is Jones's medical history relevant?
The jury heard that Jones had profound cognitive deficits, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and an IQ of 50, according to probation officer David Paruk. His medical history also included attention deficit disorder, auditory hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and a 2019 intentional drug overdose. Paruk testified that these deficits made it difficult to discern whether Jones understood directives from authorities.
What happens next in the inquest?
The inquest continues next week. A coroner's inquest does not assign fault but rather establishes facts and makes recommendations to prevent similar deaths. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which probes police-involved deaths, cleared the officers in 2023. However, Lucas's testimony raises serious questions about the official narrative and the use of force against Indigenous people in Canada.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police interactions with Indigenous communities, particularly those with cognitive disabilities. The discrepancy between the family's account and police testimony underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such investigations.
“He was not aggressive. He held no weapons.” — John Lucas Jr., brother of Julian Jones
As the inquest continues, advocates and community members will be watching closely to see what recommendations emerge to prevent future tragedies.