BC Coroners Service announced inquest dates into 2016 death

An inquest into the 2016 death of Patricia Ann Wilson in a White Rock jail cell will be held in Burnaby this June, the BC Coroners Service announced.

Wilson, who was arrested on an outstanding drug-related warrant, died on March 29, 2016.

She was found in her cell on the same day she was scheduled to appear in court.

Her death followed interactions with civilian jail guards and members of the White Rock RCMP.

A jury will hear sworn testimony from witnesses to establish the facts surrounding Wilson’s death. The jury can then make recommendations, but they are not permitted to assign legal responsibility or express legal conclusions.

The coroner’s inquest followed a report released by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) in May 2024.

The report detailing the circumstances surrounding her death, indicated potential criminal matter involving White Rock jail guards.

This was referred to the Delta Police Department (DPD) for investigation, but no charges were recommended to Crown counsel.

Wilson’s family believes that some details of the IIO report suggest she was treated differently due to her addiction.

The report notes that Wilson had been in custody for just over 90 hours at the time of her death, with 51 of those hours passing since she last ate.

It also states that she had been suffering from delusions for several days.