Robert and Angie Robinson inquest reveals domestic abuse
RCMP say officers responded to more than a dozen calls in two years at family's home
A portrait of domestic violence is emerging at a coroner's inquest into the deaths of a mother and her autistic son in Prince Rupert, B.C.
A coroner's jury began to hear evidence on Monday about the troubles facing a single mother, Angie Robinson, who killed her teenage son, Robbie Robinson, and then herself.
During the inquest on Tuesday, RCMP painted a picture of a woman under pressure. Cpl. Josh Brownlee testified his department responded to at least 14 calls over two years.
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Brownlee testified that Robert Mutch, the father of severely autistic teen Robbie Robinson, broke into the Robinson's home when he was drunk and trapped the mother under his weight.
Brownlee said Mutch was arrested that night for assault and illegal confinement.
And just months before Angie Robinson took her son's life, police say Mutch pried open a padlock on a garage door, breaking into the house.
Brownlee says Angie Robinson declined to give a statement on the break-in, and no charges were laid.
The inquest will hear on Wednesday about what support Robbie and Angie Robinson received from the school district and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
With files from George Baker