Inquest into death of Surrey teen Chase de Balinhard set for Nov. 9

The B.C. Coroners Service has announced an inquest into the death of Clayton Heights teen Chase de Balinhard. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 9 at Burnaby Coroners’ Court, on the 20th floor of Metrotower II, 4720 Kingsway, in Metrotown.

Amber Schinkel, media relations representative for the B.C. Coroners Service (BCCS), said in a news release that the service received a report of the death of 15-year-old Chase. The report said the death followed events involving members of the Surrey Police Service and the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit.

Schinkel cited Section 18(2) of the Coroners Act, which requires an inquest when a person dies while detained by or in the custody of a peace officer. She described a coroner’s inquest as a public inquiry that does not determine fault and serves three purposes: establishing the facts of a death, including the deceased’s identity, how, when, where and by what means the person died, as well as the classification of the death; making recommendations, where appropriate and supported by evidence, to prevent deaths in similar circumstances; and assuring the public that the circumstances surrounding a person’s death will not be overlooked, concealed or ignored.

John Knox will preside. He and a jury will hear testimony from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding the death. Schinkel said the jury may make recommendations within the stated scope, but must not find anyone legally responsible or express a conclusion of law.

The BCCS said it will livestream the inquest so members of the public and media can attend virtually. Schinkel cautioned that reproducing, broadcasting or publishing any part of the proceedings is prohibited, including on social media, whether someone attends in person or virtually.

Chase, who had autism and ADHD, left home on Feb. 9, 2025, carrying a pellet handgun and called 911 within minutes. Police shot him a short time later.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) released a report on Dec. 4, 2025, detailing a months-long investigation into the shooting death in Clayton Heights on Feb. 9, 2025. Chase was 15. The IIO said 911 dispatch reported that Chase told them he had a gun and was going to kill himself. He also told the dispatcher he was autistic.

Information about inquests and the livestream is available on the B.C. government’s inquest schedule, jury findings and verdicts webpage. The BCCS website is gov.bc.ca/coroners.