The British Columbia Coroner’s Office is reviewing the case of a woman who died on Lake Okanagan six years ago.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapoint has reopened an investigation into the death of Arlene Westervelt. Westerwelt died in June 2016 during a day of canoeing and picnicking on the shores of Lake Okanagan with her husband.
“The Coroners Act allows the chief investigator to reopen an investigation if new evidence emerges or if the chief coroner deems it to be in the public interest,” the service said Thursday.
“In this case, the chief investigator decided it was in the public interest for another investigator to launch a new investigation to include any new or additional information that could help the public understand the circumstances surrounding Arlene Westervelt’s death.
Police initially thought her death was an accident in the water, but later accused her husband, Lambertus “Bert” Westervelt, of second-degree murder in 2019.
He maintained his innocence. In 2020, the charges were dropped.
Arlene Westerwelt’s sister, Debbie Henig, believes justice has not been done.
She said in a telephone interview Thursday that she did not believe the judiciary would provide the answers they were looking for.
“It must be taken out of the province for an independent review. This is my hope. That’s what we asked for, “Henig said.
“We need an objective, transparent examination by an expert forensic pathologist who could shed light on any discrepancies or omissions, not an internal examination behind closed doors.”
The judiciary said the investigations were independent, impartial and objective.
The e-mail explains that their investigations are focused on the facts of the death, including how the death occurred. However, they do not have the power to attribute guilt or determine guilt.
After the investigation was completed, the coroner said a report would be issued.
Add Comment