B.C. RCMP shooting victim's family calls for charges

The family of a Williams Lake man shot dead by RCMP nearly two years ago wants charges laid against the officers involved.

Justin Zinser, 23, was shot in a cabin at Nimpo Lake in Sept. 2011, after stopping there on a hiking trip with a friend.

The lake lies in a remote area approximately 240 kilometres southwest of Prince George, or 400 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.

Delta Police investigated the shooting, but concluded no charges should be laid. Earlier this month, a Coroner's inquest also examined Zinser's death.

Zinser's stepfather Allen Bush feels like he's losing his step-son all over again.

"It was pretty tough to hear what happened. And then sitting in disbelief, trying to figure out, well, why are they not helping Justin? They shot him," said Bush.

The inquest jury heard it was bad weather that forced Zinser and his friend to spend the night at the cabin.

At some point, the RCMP were called in.

Zinser was carrying a gun, and police yellled at him to put it down. Still holding onto the gun, Zinser turned away, and an officer shot him in the back.

He bled to death shortly after being transported to a nursing station.

Allen Bush is still pursuing a charge of manslaughter for the officer who shot Zinser.

"And for the four members, I'm not sure what the charge would be. There was no attempt to help save Justin's life after they shot him. That's wrong."

The inquest jury made several recommendations to improve emergency care in remote areas.