REGINA — Testimony has wrapped up at the inquest into the death of Samwel Uko.
The inquest heard the final two witnesses n Thursday afternoon, meaning that deliberations will start on Friday for the six-person jury assigned to the case.
The indication from Coroner Robert Kennedy is that they will convene at 9:30 a.m. Friday, when he will give instructions to the jury. That is expected to last about 45 minutes. Afterwards, the jury will begin deliberations.
Uko, 20, was found in Wascana Lake on the evening of May 21, 2020. Much of the testimony in the hearing room at Regina Plaza hotel has centred on Uko's two attempts to receive care at Regina General Hospital that day, prior to his death.
Witnesses have included health care staff and security employees of Saskatchewan Health Authority, and members of the Regina Police Service. There was also testimony from two educational assistants who knew Uko from his time living in Abbotsford, B.C.
In addition to witness testimony, the jury heard audio of Uko's 911 calls from May 21, 2020, and also saw the playing of a security video from the hospital. In that video, Uko was seen being removed by security guards while shouting "leave me alone" and "I have mental issues."
Uko's family have been in attendance throughout the week and have been able to participate by asking questions to witnesses during the inquest. Also on hand throughout the inquest have been lawyers representing the coroner, the Regina Police Service and the SHA.
An inquest is not designed to assign blame or make determinations about guilt, innocence or responsibility. Instead, it is expected the jury will make determinations on the identity of the victim, how, when, where and by what means the death occurred, as well as offer recommendations for the future.
