NWT coroner to hold inquest into man’s 2018 death in Inuvik

The territory’s chief coroner will hold an inquest into the death of Richard Binder Jr, whose body was found outside Inuvik a year ago.

Binder’s body was found on November 3, 2018 near Inuvik’s Big Lake, RCMP said at the time. The 35-year-old had been sought by police on several outstanding warrants.

The NWT Coroner Service announced on Monday the holding of an inquest into the death, which will begin on March 3 at Inuvik’s Mackenzie Hotel.

The inquest is scheduled to run for three days, at the end of which jurors will present recommendations to prevent future deaths.

Police had contact with Binder Jr on October 25, 2018, said RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon. That day, officers said they had informed Binder he was under arrest before he then ran away.

He was reported missing three days later.

A day after being reported missing, police launched a public appeal to help locate him.

Binder was considered “in custody” when his body was found, said Cathy Menard, the chief coroner, as he was in the process of being arrested when he fled on foot.

“Although an officer pursued him, Mr Binder Jr remained at large,” Menard said. “Many search attempts were made but he was not located and, on November 3, 2018, he was found deceased on the outskirts of town.”

The NWT Coroners Act instructs the territory’s chief coroner to order inquests into deaths of people “detained or in custody” at the time of their passing.

While his death is not considered suspicious, the inquest will look at the “who, what, when, where, and why” of the death, said Menard, to see if similar deaths could be prevented.

The inquest is similar in structure to a court proceeding. Six jurors will hear evidence and witnesses will be called. The inquest is open to the public.

An external investigation into Binder’s death by the Edmonton Police Service was announced after his body was found. Cabin Radio has requested an update on the status of this investigation.

Anyone requiring more information about the inquest can contact the chief coroner’s office at 867-767-9251.