Coroner's Inquest Examines Fatal Police Shooting of 15-Year-Old Teen
Evidence reveals 911 call details and final moments of an autistic teenager.
1Inquest into Fatal Shooting
A coroner's inquest is currently reviewing the February 9, 2025, police shooting of 15-year-old Chase de Balinhard in Surrey. The proceedings aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding the interaction between the teenager and RCMP officers. Evidence presented includes a 19-minute 911 call and radio transmissions recorded during the tragic event.
2Teenager's Distress Call
During the 911 call, de Balinhard disclosed he was autistic and struggling with depression for two years. He admitted to self-harming and expressed feelings of isolation from peers. The teen informed the call taker that he had obtained a firearm from his father's office, though he remained uncertain if it was loaded.
3Communication and Mental Health
De Balinhard revealed during the call that his communication skills were at a primary school level. He expressed frustration with his therapy sessions, stating he did not believe professionals took his suicidal ideation seriously. The teen explicitly mentioned a lack of trust in police and a desire to harm them during the call.
4Police Response at Scene
Surrey RCMP arrived at the location near an elementary school following reports of an individual with a weapon. Const. Mike Peters testified that the teen pointed the pellet gun at a witness, an officer, and himself. Officers initially believed the weapon was real, leading to attempts to de-escalate the situation using rubber bullets.
5Final Moments of Life
Despite efforts to de-escalate, the situation ended when police fired at the teenager. Const. Peters described his final interaction with de Balinhard, where he comforted the dying boy. He rubbed the back of the teen's head and told him he was loved as he took his final breath at the scene.
6Independent Investigation Process
The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia is overseeing the review of the police interaction on private property. Such inquests are mandatory in British Columbia when a death occurs during a police encounter. The process focuses on establishing facts rather than assigning criminal liability, providing transparency regarding the use of lethal force.
7Context of Police Inquests
Coroner's inquests serve to inform the public about the circumstances of deaths occurring in custody or during police interventions. These proceedings often result in recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. By examining the 911 call and officer testimony, the jury seeks to understand the decision-making process during high-stress encounters.
8Mental Health Support Resources
The tragic case highlights the critical need for accessible mental health support for youth in crisis. Resources such as the 988 suicide prevention line and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention provide immediate assistance. Authorities emphasize that recognizing warning signs and seeking professional help remains essential for preventing such fatal outcomes.