A coroner’s inquest has been scheduled to review the tragic 2023 deaths of a family of four in Prince Rupert. The inquest will begin on October 6 at the Burnaby Coroner’s Court and is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Janet Nguyen, 35, her husband Christopher Duong, 38, and their two young children, Alexander, aged four, and Harlan, aged two.
The family was discovered deceased in their home on Silverside Drive on June 13, 2023. At the time, the RCMP’s major crimes unit launched a homicide investigation but confirmed there was no threat to the wider community. The upcoming inquiry will give the public an opportunity to learn more about the circumstances and consider recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
According to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the inquest is being convened under the authority of the Coroners Act. The Act allows the chief coroner to order an inquest when there is a strong public interest in the circumstances of a death, or when the death may have resulted from a dangerous practice or situation. The aim is to ensure transparency, provide answers to families and communities, and offer recommendations that can help prevent comparable incidents in the future.
Unlike criminal trials or civil hearings, a coroner’s inquest is not about assigning blame or liability. Instead, it is a non-fault-finding public inquiry designed to establish facts. The jury will examine details such as the identity of the deceased, and determine how, when, where, and by what means the deaths occurred. Recommendations often follow, focusing on safety practices, community awareness, and policy changes that could help save lives.
Coroner Larry Markinik has been assigned to preside over the case, supported by a jury that will hear sworn evidence from witnesses. This testimony is expected to help piece together the timeline of events leading to the family’s deaths. The ministry emphasized that while the jury may issue recommendations, it cannot make findings of legal responsibility or conclusions of law. The process is strictly fact-based, focusing on prevention and accountability through openness rather than through blame.
Public inquests serve a vital role in maintaining trust between authorities and the community. They reassure residents that deaths with significant public interest will not be ignored or hidden from view. Inquests are also intended to provide grieving families with clarity and to promote healing by showing that every possible step has been taken to understand what happened.
The deaths of Janet Nguyen and her family deeply affected Prince Rupert and surrounding communities, leaving many searching for answers. At the time of the tragedy, community members held vigils and expressed grief for the young family. While the RCMP did not identify an ongoing threat to the public, the lack of details about what led to the deaths has created uncertainty. The inquest is now seen as an important step toward providing clarity and closure.
Inquests typically involve testimony from police officers, medical professionals, community witnesses, and other relevant experts. By presenting all evidence in a transparent manner, the process ensures that the public record reflects the facts. Recommendations that emerge often influence safety protocols, social services, and public policy.
This upcoming inquest will give the jury the opportunity to consider whether any changes could reduce the likelihood of similar incidents happening in the future. While no outcome can undo the loss experienced by the family’s relatives, friends, and neighbors, the process may contribute to broader lessons about community safety and prevention.
The Prince Rupert family deaths remain a significant event for the community, highlighting the fragile nature of life and the importance of ensuring that tragic circumstances are carefully examined. With the inquest set for October, attention will now turn to Burnaby Coroner’s Court, where the public inquiry will seek to provide answers, promote learning, and support the goal of preventing further tragedies through the process of coroners inquest into the Prince Rupert family deaths.
