A public inquiry into the 2015 death of Myles Gray has been postponed yet again, this time until the fall. This latest delay stems from the appointment of Const. Nick Thompson’s former lawyer, Scott Wright, to the provincial court of B.C., rendering him unable to represent Thompson. The hearing, which began in January, has been beset by repeated postponements.
The inquiry, now stretching beyond eleven years since Gray's death, faces another interruption as one of the seven Vancouver officers under scrutiny seeks new legal representation. This development ensures the wait for answers continues for Gray's family.
Legal Strife and Shifting Counsel
The necessity for Thompson to find independent counsel emerged after discussions about whether Thompson's initial lawyer, Kevin Westell, could represent both Thompson and another officer, Const. Kwan Wing Wong. While Westell and Wong reportedly agreed to this arrangement, Thompson later indicated his preference for separate legal counsel.
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The adjudicator, Elizabeth Arnold-Bailey, acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the delay, while the Gray family's lawyer, Ian Donaldson, emphasized the family's long-standing wait for this process.
A History of Hurdles
This latest setback follows a series of interruptions. In January, the counsel for the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC), Brad Hickford, resigned over an unspecified "obscenity" that temporarily halted proceedings. Hickford stated his departure was to protect the integrity of the OPCC, though he reportedly did not recall making the remark. The adjudicator at the time, Arnold-Bailey, suggested the hearing should continue, prioritizing its importance over the incident.
Glimpses into the Incident
Evidence presented previously has offered some insight into the events surrounding Gray's death. An officer described Gray as appearing "very intoxicated or very high." Another witness, Spencer, testified to kneeling on Gray's upper right arm and shoulder area while Gray was on his stomach. A paramedic noted that Gray's bruising was so severe that it initially led to a mistaken impression of his ethnicity.
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Background
Myles Gray died in August 2015 following an interaction with Vancouver police officers. The circumstances of his death, including the extent of force used and the officers' conduct, have been the subject of intense scrutiny. The public hearing is considered one of the largest of its kind in scope, initiated by the OPCC to examine potential police misconduct. An RCMP investigation into the incident was conducted by Robert Nash.
