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Father Feared 'Hit' Before Family's Tragic End
3 Feb
Summary
- Father believed a 'hit' was out on him before family died.
- A vehicle left with cash and luggage preceded the deaths.
- Inquest examines circumstances surrounding the family's demise.
A coroner's inquest heard testimony that Christopher Duong believed someone had placed a "hit" on him before his death alongside his wife and two young sons. Prince Rupert RCMP Cst. Jason Kettle testified that Duong expressed fears for his life in the days leading up to the family's demise.
The family of four was discovered deceased in their home on June 13, 2023. Earlier that week, on June 10, an abandoned Mercedes-Benz SUV was found with significant cash and luggage. The vehicle, leased to Janet Nguyen, was found with its rear passenger door ajar.
Duong and Nguyen retrieved belongings from the abandoned vehicle late at night, with their two children present. Nguyen reportedly expressed fear of being followed. Duong later confirmed his belief that a "hit" was placed on him, suggesting a monetary motive for his potential murder.
Following the interaction with police, Duong was stopped and found with sharp-edged items. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Act, while Nguyen and the children were escorted home. Duong had also sustained a traumatic brain injury in a crash over a year prior.
Coroner's inquests are public inquiries to establish circumstances surrounding deaths and can make non-binding recommendations. Police stated in 2023 that there was no public risk following the discovery.
