First coroner’s inquest under new rules is set for July 12

Friday, June 3, 2011 | 3:55 p.m.

November police killing inching closer to inquest under new rules (5-6-2011)
County commission finalizes changes to coroner’s inquest process (1-3-2011)
Officers refuse to answer questions in death of man shot with Taser (12-31-2010)
Commissioners discuss appointment of coroner’s inquest ombudspersons (12-22-2010)
County Commission OKs changes to coroner’s inquest process (12-7-2010)
Commissioners outline concerns of proposed inquest changes (11-16-2010)
County commission to hear board’s suggestions for inquest changes (11-16-2010)
Coroner’s inquest review panel proposes changes (11-8-2010)

A two-day coroner's inquest in the November officer-involved shooting of Benjamin Bowman is scheduled for July 12-13 and will be the first inquest to use an ombudsman to represent the decedent’s family.

The first step of the revised inquest process, a pre-inquest meeting between parties related to the shooting, was May 9 at the Regional Justice Center. A pre-inquest conference was held today.

Bowman died of multiple gunshot wounds Nov. 15, 2010, at a PT’s Pub near Nellis Boulevard and Sahara Avenue.

Police said Bowman took a female bartender hostage with a knife during a failed robbery attempt. When the woman broke free, police said Bowman tried to stab her and they shot him.

The new ordinance to revise the inquest hearing process was passed on Dec. 7, 2010. Changes include the establishment of an ombudsman to represent the victim’s family, the release of key evidence and investigative files, and the restructuring of meetings before the inquest hearing.

Officials initially had scheduled the inquest for June 29, but announced the date change this afternoon. The inquest is open to the public.