A coroner’s inquest into the death of a Haida elder is underway this week, more than four years after he was fatally shot by Surrey RCMP during a wellness check. 

Jimmie Johannesson, 61, died April 8, 2022, following events involving the Surrey RCMP, the coroner’s office said. 

Coroners inquests are mandatory for any deaths that occur while a person is detained or in custody of a peace officer. 

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) is supporting Johannesson’s sister, Ruby Marks, during the proceeding.

Policy staff counsel Latoya Farrell said on the morning of Johannesson’s death, his probation officer called police to do a wellness check on him after speaking to him on the phone.

Multiple officers then attended the home, Farrell said.

Wellness check turned deadly in seconds

“From the time that the police made contact or made entry into Jimmie’s home, to the time he was shot and killed, [it] was about 23 seconds that a wellness check turned deadly,” said Farrell. 

Farrell said Johannesson had a knife and threatened police, and officers were forced to flee the residence before an officer shot Johannesson five times.

Johannesson had been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome, and struggled with depression, anxiety, and dyslexia, she said, adding that he also suffered three strokes in the months leading up to his death.

“All of which [the strokes] on their own, would have caused issues with emotional regulation, with understanding police commands,” said Farrell. 

“Then you add the compounding issue of strangers entering his home, a place where he feels safe or is able to secure himself, he felt threatened and he charged at police.” 

Inquest examines response, seeks recommendations

B.C.’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigations Office, issued a report in 2024 stating the use of lethal force was justified in the circumstances.

Interim Chief Civilian Director Sandra Hentzen said at the time she did not believe there was enough evidence that the officer involved broke the law, so it was not referred to Crown counsel for charge consideration.

The report acknowledged it was important for police to consider Johannesson was in his home, and challenging a person in the home has the potential to increase the stress of the situation. 

It recommended police agencies develop training that recognizes the added risks of confronting someone in their own home.

However, Farrell says the BCCLA believes the way Mounties responded to the wellness check may constitute a breach of RCMP policy or misconduct. 

They are hoping for recommendations around a mental health unit to attend wellness checks alongside or in place of police. 

“We’re looking for alternative models which help to address the issue of police responding to these types of wellness checks,” Farrell said. 

“No one should die because they called for help.” 

Throughout the week the jury is hearing from members of Johannesson’s family, probation officer, RCMP officers, and others. Coroner Kristen Everett is presiding over the inquest.

Johannesson’s sister, Ruby Marks took the stand on day one, testifying her brother was adopted into a non-Indigenous home, as a part of the Sixties Scoop. 

She spoke about how Johannesson struggled to find a sense of belonging, as well as with isolation, issues with authority, and childhood seizures. 

“Just a myriad of issues that led to the perfect storm and the result we see now,” said Farrell.

The coroner’s inquest is a non-fault-finding public inquiry that works to determine the circumstances of the death, and to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.

The inquest is scheduled until Aug. 5. 

Corrections

A previous version of this story said Jimmie Johannesson called his probation officer on the morning of his death. In fact, his probation officer testified that she called Johannesson.
Jul 29, 2026 2:12 PM PDT