A coroner’s inquiry investigating the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet faced uncertainty on Thursday following unexpected allegations made by her mother during testimony. Korchinski-Paquet tragically fell from her 24th-floor balcony on May 27, 2020, while police were present in the apartment she shared with family members. During her testimony, Claudette Beals, Korchinski-Paquet’s mother, claimed to have witnessed officers pushing her daughter toward the balcony before hearing her call out for help.
Beals asserted her belief that the officers were involved in the events leading up to her daughter’s fall, prompting discussions among legal representatives involved in the inquiry. Despite previous testimonies by officers at the scene indicating that Korchinski-Paquet moved quickly to the balcony without coercion, Beals’s new account raised concerns about undisclosed evidence and prompted a recess for further deliberation.
The inquiry revealed that Korchinski-Paquet had a history of seizures due to epilepsy, which often led to erratic behavior. A neurologist, who reviewed her medical records, noted symptoms consistent with postictal delirium following seizures. Prior to the fatal incident, Korchinski-Paquet had experienced seizures and was involved in a violent disturbance with knives, prompting a police response.
A police oversight body later cleared the officers of any wrongdoing in the incident, stating that Korchinski-Paquet’s fall occurred as she attempted to move between balconies. The inquiry’s focus includes examining how first responders handle cases involving epilepsy but does not delve into the various investigations conducted by oversight agencies.
The presiding coroner acknowledged the complexity of the case and the need to address the unfolding issues. While the inquiry does not assign legal blame, the jurors may make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. These recommendations, however, are not legally binding.