Gitanyow Lax’yip, July 24, 2024: The final verdict in the obstruction trial of Sergeant Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz and Constable Arthur Dalman is scheduled to be announced on July 25, 2024. Following the court’s decision, Dale Culver’s family will hold a press conference outside the Prince George Courthouse to address the media and the public.
Judge Adrian Brooks will discuss two crucial decisions: his reason for determining the admissibility of key handwritten RCMP notes and other prime documents, and whether the two RCMP officers are guilty of obstructing justice shortly after the death of Dale Culver, which comes with a prison term of up to 10 years.
Culver, a 35-year-old member of the Wet’suwet’en and Gitksan Nations, died in police custody on July 18, 2017, after being chased for riding a bike without a helmet. That night, multiple RCMP officers pepper-sprayed, punched, kicked, and kneed Culver, according to a statement from the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS). He died approximately 30 minutes later after complaining of difficulty breathing.
Sgt. Cruz, described during last month’s trial as an experienced RCMP investigator, and Const. Dalman, who had been on the job for less than six months at the time, allegedly demanded that Kenneth Moe delete video footage from his cell phone taken on the night of Culver’s death.
Cruz and Dalman are the only officers involved in the death of Dale Culver that are currently facing prosecution. On April 5, 2024, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced a stay of proceedings in the case against Constables Paul Ste-Marie and Jean Francois Monette, the two RCMP officers charged with manslaughter. A month later, Constable Clarence MacDonald’s obstruction charges were also stayed.
There is a crucial difference between staying and withdrawing criminal charges. When the Crown stays charges, they are put on hold and can be reinstated within one year.
A coalition of Indigenous and legal organizations, including the family of Dale Culver and the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, formally called on the BCPS to reconsider criminal proceedings in May. They are still waiting for a response.
The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs continue to advocate for justice and accountability, demanding systemic change within the RCMP and the BCPS to address and dismantle systemic racism. This includes a full public inquiry into the deaths of Indigenous people by police.
Quotes:
Joel Starlund/Sk’a’nism Tsa ‘Win’Giit, Executive Director of the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, stated:
“This trial highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in the RCMP. The allegations of intimidation and evidence suppression are deeply alarming, the two officers must be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Dale’s family must have justice.”
Debbie Pierre, cousin of Dale Culver and Operations Manager for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, added:
“The judicial system has let my family down many times; the judge must not overlook the severe misconduct that was revealed during the trial. We’re determined to achieve justice for Dale and all other Indigenous families who have lost loved ones while in police custody. Change within policing must happen now. It is my hope that Indigenous people now and our future generations can walk safely and without fear from the police and without hesitation calling upon police when needed, including wellness checks.”
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