Regis Korchinski-Paquet Screamed For Help Before She Died Says Her Family’s Lawyer
Her brother heard her cry, "Mom help! Mom help! Mom help!"
More details about what may have happened to Regis Korchinski-Paquet have emerged. Relatives say that a call for help in a family conflict resulted in a tragedy. In a statement to the media, the family's lawyer described Korchinski-Paquet's last moments alive.
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At just after 5:00 p.m. May 27, police were called to Korchinski-Paquet's apartment at 100 High Park Avenue. Police allege that they "observed a woman on a balcony" once they arrived.
A short time later, the 29-year-old fell from her balcony on the 24th floor and was pronounced dead, according to police.
However, family members say that the officers at the scene are responsible for her death.
Knia Singh, a Toronto Human Rights Defence Lawyer is representing the family as the SIU handles the case.
Singh spoke to reporters on May 28. He described what happened according to Korchinski-Paquet's mother, Claudette Beals-Clayton and her brother, Reece Korchinski-Beals. It was her brother who initially called for help, reports CP24.
"Claudette pleaded with police to provide assistance to her daughter and take her to CAMH to provide mental health support as Claudette did not want the problem to escalate where it became unsafe," said Singh.
Words were apparently exchanged between Korchinski-Paquet and the officers who arrived at the scene. She then headed back into her unit to use the washroom.
"Her brother who was also present, witnessed multiple police officers enter the unit after Regis went in. When her brother attempted to get her, he was stopped by police from entering the unit," explained Singh.
"After approximately 1 to 2 minutes, the mother and the brother heard commotion in the apartment and then heard Regis cry out 'Mom help! Mom help! Mom help!'"
"How can a call for assistance turn into a loss of life? The family wants to ensure camera footage from the hallway is secured by the SIU," added Singh.
"The family is extremely concerned that in recent times, people with mental health, distress issues across North America are ending up dead after interactions with the police," he continued.
According to Singh, Korchinski-Paquet was proud of her Ukrainian and Nova Scotian heritage, was a talented gymnast and participated in events at her church.
In the past, Singh said that the family would occasionally contact the police to help when she was having a seizure due to epilepsy.
A #JusticeForRegis peaceful protest and march will take place in Toronto on Saturday, May 30. It will honour Korchinski-Paquet and other black and Indigenous lives lost.