Prince Rupert coroner's inquest hears father feared for his life

An inquest in Prince Rupert heard RCMP testimony that Christopher Duong told officers he believed a "hit" had been placed on him and that his family might be targeted; the family of four was found dead on June 13, 2023. The public inquiry is ongoing and the coroner's jury may make non-binding recommendations after hearings conclude.

The coroner's inquest in Prince Rupert is examining the deaths of Christopher Duong, his wife Janet Nguyen and their two young sons, who were found dead on June 13, 2023. On the first day of hearings, an RCMP officer testified that Duong told police he feared someone had placed a "hit" on him and that his family may have been targeted. The officer also described an earlier interaction on June 10, 2023, involving an abandoned vehicle and the couple returning to retrieve belongings. The inquest is taking witness evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and to inform the coroner's jury. Key points: - The family of four was found dead in their home on June 13, 2023. - RCMP Cst. Jason Kettle testified that Christopher Duong said he believed a "hit" had been placed on him and that his family might be targeted. - The officer described a June 10, 2023 interaction involving an abandoned vehicle and the couple returning to collect belongings; Duong was later detained under the Mental Health Act during that incident. - Coroner's inquests do not assign blame; this public inquiry is ongoing and the jury may make non-binding recommendations at the conclusion of hearings. Summary: The inquest is continuing with witnesses describing interactions and reported fears in the days before the family was found. Police previously reported they did not believe there were outstanding suspects or a public risk shortly after the deaths. The coroner's jury will consider the evidence and may make non-binding recommendations at the end of the hearing.