Public Hearing Announced Over Police Conduct in Myles Gray’s Death

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) in British Columbia has announced a public hearing into the police actions surrounding the death of Myles Gray in 2015. Gray, a 33-year-old florist from Sechelt, B.C., died following a violent encounter with Vancouver police officers in Burnaby. His death has sparked years of public outcry and legal scrutiny.

Gray’s Fatal Encounter

Gray’s death occurred in August 2015 after a confrontation with police. He had been delivering flowers when an altercation arose after he confronted a homeowner for watering their lawn during a drought. Police were called, and what followed left Gray with severe injuries, including a fractured eye socket, a ruptured voice box, and bruising across his body. He was unarmed at the time.

Officers reported that Gray appeared intoxicated, aggressive, and resistant during their attempts to restrain him, which included punching, kicking, knee strikes, pepper spray, and baton use. However, no witnesses outside of the police were present to corroborate these accounts.

Previous Investigations

The case has been the subject of multiple investigations. In 2020, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. forwarded a report suggesting possible criminal conduct by the officers. The B.C. Prosecution Service ultimately decided not to pursue charges, citing a lack of witnesses and uncertainty about the cause of death.

In 2022, a coroner’s inquest ruled Gray’s death a homicide, prompting recommendations for increased use of body cameras and reviews of de-escalation training within the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

Earlier this year, a Police Act investigation led by Delta police Chief Neil Dubord cleared the officers involved, but the report acknowledged significant limitations, including inconsistencies in officers’ statements and limited evidence.

Public Hearing Details

The OPCC has now initiated a public hearing to revisit the case. Retired B.C. Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Arnold-Bailey will preside over the process, examining evidence, hearing witness testimony, and determining whether police misconduct occurred. Unlike prior investigations, witnesses may be cross-examined, and the scope of evidence will not be limited to earlier findings.

Arnold-Bailey will also have the authority to recommend policy or procedural changes to the Vancouver Police Board but will not assess potential criminal charges.

Reactions to the Announcement

Margie Gray, Myles Gray’s mother, expressed hope that the hearing will provide long-awaited accountability and transparency. “A public inquiry into Myles’ death is an important step towards accountability and transparency,” she said in a statement.

The VPD acknowledged the announcement but criticized the lengthy timeline of the case. “For more than nine years, the Vancouver Police officers in this case have endured multiple investigations,” a departmental statement read.

Next Steps

The public hearing aims to provide clarity on the events leading to Gray’s death and address public concerns over accountability in police operations. Dates for the hearing have not yet been announced. This new process is seen as a pivotal opportunity to ensure justice and restore public confidence in police oversight.