Coroner's inquest for RCMP shooting of Greg Matters begins
Armed forces vet was shot dead last year in a standoff with RCMP
A coroner's inquest into the death of a Prince George veteran shot dead by RCMP last year got underway Monday.
Greg Matters, 40, was killed in September 2012, after a lengthy confrontation with police at his home just outside Prince George, in Central B.C.
Matters served in the Canadian military for 15 years, and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. His family has questions about how police acted in light of his PTSD.
On Monday, Matters' family sobbed during the inquest as they listened to Greg's voice on 911 recordings.
"Hearing his level of anxiety and fear increase as each call went on, how his desperation [to] find out what the status was, it was really quite distressing and really quite emotional," Tracey Matters, Greg's older sister, said.
Earlier this year, B.C.'s independent investigations office cleared the officers of any criminal offence. But Matter's mother Lorraine isn't satisfied with their investigation, and hopes more details will be revealed at the inquest.
"I feel that the true story has not been told. Gregory always believed in justice and the right thing to do. And no, I'm not happy with the outcome so far," said Lorraine.
She also has questions about why she and Greg's psychiatrist were not allowed to speak with Greg during the stand-off. Ultimately, she hopes this inquest will prevent similar deaths.
"He tried so hard. And once we'd gotten help, Greg really worked hard to get his life back to normal. And it was really difficult."
A coroner's inquest cannot make findings of wrongdoing. It can only make recommendations.
The inquest continues Tuesday.