Yukon’s chief coroner is trying to keep details of Raymond Silverfox’s death a secret.
The family of the 43-year-old Carmack’s man, who died in RCMP custody in 2008, brought the issue back into court in January requesting a judicial review of the coroner’s inquest.
The inquest, which ruled that Silverfox died of natural causes, also presented disturbing evidence that showed Silverfox was neglected and verbally abused by officers during the last hours of his life.
During his 13 hours in police custody, Silverfox wet himself, defecated in his pants and vomited 26 times.
He spent most of the time on the bare floor, sometimes moaning, curled up in the fetal position.
Before the judicial review of the inquest can begin, lawyers are arguing about what information should be included as evidence.
On March 2, Yukon’s Supreme Court decided the coroner’s notes should be included as evidence.
This week, coroner Sharon Hanley appealed that decision.
The appeal will now have to be heard in the BC/Yukon Court of Appeal. While the court hopes to have it heard by May, Hanley’s appeal will stall the case.
Hanley’s lawyer, Zeb Brown has not responded to requests for more information and Susanna Roothman, who is representing Silverfox’s family is out of the territory until next month.
Silverfox’s only daughter, Deanna Lee Charlie is the driving force behind the review.
When contacted on Thursday she had not yet been made aware of the appeal, and refused to comment before she can speak with her lawyer. (Roxanne Stasyszyn)