Media Advisory

Media outlets & the public are invited to join this rally and amplify the call #JusticeForMylesGray.

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh) / Burnaby, B.C. – Myles Gray was killed during a violent Vancouver Police Department incident on August 31, 2015. This incident involved multiple VPD officers using deadly force against Myles Gray. In 2019, the Independent Investigations Office of BC filed a report for the consideration of charges with BC Prosecution Services. In 2020, BC Prosecution Services announced that they did not approve any charges and released a “Clear Statement,” which noted “the only witnesses to the physical altercation and restraint of Mr. Gray by the police were the attending members of the VPD.”

Vancouver Police Department, and the officers involved and witness to the death of Myles Gray, remained silent while the Gray family struggled for justice and truth for nearly a decade. January 19th, 2023, BC Coroners Service announced the Inquest into the killing of Myles Gray.

It is indeed disturbing to read reports that the Union counselled VPD members to ignore their statutory and common law responsibilities.

The Gray family noted through their counsel, Ian Donaldson, K.C., Jason Birring and Curtis Armitage:

“The Gray family is grateful to the Coroner that this is finally proceeding. Myles was Margie and Mark’s son, and Melissa’s brother. He died in circumstances that require a public accounting, which will now begin.

The family sincerely hopes that the evidence and recommendations will lead the Attorney General to pass legislation which requires police to account in a timely fashion for their actions. It is indeed disturbing to read reports that the Union counselled VPD members to ignore their statutory and common law responsibilities. This is contrary to the openness that society has a right to expect in these cases. The lack of bodycams means that the full truth may never be known.

The absence of proper training in de-escalation has never been more evident. This was entirely avoidable if handled differently. All the officers deny causing Myles’ profound injuries. No person should have to endure such a beating because he resisted being handcuffed. As Chief Palmer said about another case, it is “senseless and appalling” that a young unarmed man should die this way.

Chief Palmer supported the "swift and decisive actions of the Memphis Police in firing and criminally charging the men involved" with the "murder" of Tyre Nichols. The members who beat Myles Gray remain fully employed.”

More details:

• Draft Witness List now available from the BC Coroners Services
• Facebook Page: Justice for Myles Gray

Recent News Coverage:

• Watchdog says Vancouver police union directed officers to avoid co-operating in oversight investigation – Globe & Mail (April 8, 2023)
• Firefighters say VPD officers told them not to check Myles Gray's condition in last moments: report – CBC News (April 3, 2023)
• Police officers allege union told them not to keep notes after B.C. man's death – CTV News (March 31, 2023)
• New details on VPD officers facing possible dismissal in death of Myles Gray – Global News (March 14, 2023)
• Police oversight bodies hindered by silence of accused officers, Globe analysis finds – Globe & Mail (February 27, 2023)