Desmond fatality inquiry is reconvening

GUYSBOROUGH, N.S. — GUYSBOROUGH - The first evidentiary session of the fatality inquiry into the deaths of Lionel Desmond and his family reconvened Jan. 27 in Guysborough. 
On Jan. 3, 2017, the bodies of Desmond, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, his wife Shanna, their 10-year-old daughter Aaliyah, and his mother Brenda, were found in a home in Upper Big Tracadie, Guysborough County. 
Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Matt Bowes, reviewed the circumstances of the deaths and recommended to the Minister of Justice that an inquiry be held under the province’s Fatality Investigations Act.
A recommendation under S. 26 of the Act requires the provincial minister to order an inquiry. With that order, the Chief Judge of the Provincial and Family Courts of Nova Scotia appoints a judge to conduct the inquiry and make recommendations on any issues identified in the minister's order.
The inquiry’s mandate is to determine the circumstances under which these deaths occurred, as well as some specific issues, including, but not limited to, whether Desmond and his family had access to the appropriate mental health and domestic violence intervention services leading up to their deaths.
The inquiry opened May 21, 2019, with opening remarks by Judge Zimmer, followed by Applications to Participate in the Inquiry, pursuant to S. 36 of the Fatality Investigations Act. Judge Zimmer’s decision on who may participate is available online at  https://www.desmondinquiry.ca/decisions-rulings.html.
The inquiry reconvened Nov. 18, 2019, to begin hearing evidence. However, at that time several parties requested an adjournment until January, to allow time for new counsel to prepare for the proceedings. Zimmer granted the adjournment until Jan. 27, 2020.
Proceedings were to be livestreamed at www.desmondinquiry.ca. The archived video and the written transcripts of the proceedings will also be posted online.
Media and the public were welcome to attend the proceedings at the Guysborough Municipal Building, 33 Pleasant St., Guysborough. The downstairs media room is equipped to view the livestream and, if needed, there is also a public overflow viewing room at the nearby Chedabucto Lifestyle Centre, 60 Green St., in Guysborough.
This session of the inquiry is expected to continue through to Thursday, March 5, 2020. During that time the inquiry will sit Monday through Thursday, starting at 10 a.m. each day. 
The building will be open to media and the public starting at 8:30 a.m.
Visitors are asked to use the side entrance of the building and to refrain from smoking near any building entrances. The hearing room is located on the main floor. There are signs on site and a deputy sheriff will be on hand to help direct visitors.
There is free public parking in the lot behind the municipal building and along the road on Church Street. If needed, there is additional parking at the nearby Guysborough Historical Society on Pleasant Street.
There will be guest Wi-Fi available for media and other visitors. Temporary passwords are valid for up to five consecutive days and are available at the Inquiry Administration Office.
At the conclusion of the inquiry proceedings, Zimmer will file a written report with the Provincial Court containing his findings and recommendations. His report will not contain any findings of legal responsibility. 
A copy of the report will be provided to the provincial justice minister.