Fatality inquiry into death of toddler in 2008 scheduled in Drumheller

    A fatality inquiry into the death of a three-year-old boy, the victim of an apparent murder-suicide three years ago, will take place next week in Drumheller.     The community was shocked on September 28, 2008 with the report that Richard Saunders and his son were discovered deceased in a house near downtown Drumheller.
    The two were found in a locked and sealed bedroom. Lethal levels of carbon monoxide were discovered in the home.
    The incident happened during a court ordered weekend visit.
    A fatality inquiry is mandatory in Alberta when a person dies in custody on or off a correctional institution’s premise, in the custody of police and in the case of force being used by a police officer. They are also mandatory in the deaths of involuntary mental health patients and in the deaths of foster children.
    Fatality inquiries can be called in other cases outlined in the act, and the public can request that a case be heard, and the Fatality Inquiry Board can make a recommendation for it to proceed.
    A fatality inquiry determines the circumstances of a death, and is heard by a provincial court judge. The judge may make recommendations for the prevention of similar incidents, but cannot make any findings of legal responsibility.
    This inquiry is scheduled in provincial court in Drumheller from June 6-17, to be heard by Judge P.M. McIlargey.