Coroner's Inquest Announced into 2020 Death of Toronto Woman Regis Korchinski-Paquet
Ontario's office of the chief coroner has announced it will hold an inquest into the 2020 death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old Toronto woman who fell 24 stories to her death while attempting to escape police by climbing to an adjacent balcony. The announcement was made on Friday by supervising coroner Dr. Richard Wells, marking a significant step in revisiting the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Background of the Incident
The fatal plunge occurred on May 27, 2020, when police responded to 911 calls reporting a fight between Korchinski-Paquet and her brother at their apartment on 100 High Park Avenue. According to transcripts, multiple calls were made, with Korchinski-Paquet's mother initially requesting police remove both individuals from the home, alleging that bottles were being thrown and knives were brandished. Korchinski-Paquet herself called 911 two minutes later, claiming she was being attacked, which prompted a "hotshot" radio call for a domestic dispute.
Additional details from the 911 calls revealed that Korchinski-Paquet had reportedly suffered two epileptic seizures earlier that day, and both she and her brother had been drinking and using marijuana. Her brother also made a call alleging a physical altercation and accusing her of using knives against him.
Police Response and Fall
When officers arrived, they attempted to engage Korchinski-Paquet, but she used an air conditioner to block the balcony door and retreated onto the 24th-floor balcony. Witnesses observed her attempting to scale the railing, leading to an order for officers to leave the apartment. Shortly after, radio calls requested emergency medical services as Korchinski-Paquet had fallen to the ground below.
Despite initial allegations from some family members that police threw her to her death, investigations by the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) cleared Toronto police of any wrongdoing. SIU director Joseph Martino stated in his report that there was no indication she wished to harm herself and that her behavior was consistent with someone claiming to be a victim of assault.
Context and Aftermath
Korchinski-Paquet's death occurred during a period of heightened tensions between the Black community and police, coming just two days after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This timing amplified public scrutiny and calls for accountability, though the SIU found no criminal conduct by the officers involved.
The upcoming coroner's inquest aims to examine the events leading to her death more thoroughly, potentially addressing systemic issues and providing recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The inquest is expected to delve into the police response protocols, mental health considerations, and the handling of domestic violence calls.
As the community awaits further details, this case continues to highlight the complex intersections of law enforcement, mental health, and public safety in urban settings.
