MAPLE RIDGE – Michael Sather, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows in Question Period today called on the Solicitor General, the Hon. John Van Dongen, to direct the coroner’s office to conduct an inquest into the death of Karen Beck.

The tragic murder of Karen Beck at the hands of her estranged husband on November 15, 2007, has raised many concerns for the family of Karen Beck. “There is conflicting information regarding Karen’s estranged husband holding a gun to her head and her flagging down a police car while fleeing in terror” said Sather, “The contradictory information surrounding events prior to Karen’s murder, and who knew what, needs to be examined.”Michael Sather

The Solicitor General responded to the call for a Coroner’s inquest by stating that a “factual report” would be released by the Coroner. “This suggests the Coroner may not be going to conduct an inquest, but only an inquiry or a report” said Sather. “A report does not provide the in-depth information that an inquest would. The family deserves a full inquest and the circumstances justify an inquest” he added.

Cpl. Ryan Schlecker of the Ridge Meadows RCMP has stated that Karen did complain to police about her husband threatening her and holding a gun to her head, but there was insufficient evident to lay criminal charges. This information brings up more questions as to why charges were not laid” said Sather. “An inquest would be very helpful in providing answers to these questions.”

Michael Sather

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

Michael Sather was re-elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.