Mother Questions Inquest as Daughter's Death Evidence Unfolds

Claudette Beals, mother of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, voiced skepticism regarding the coroner's inquest and the presented video evidence during her testimony. She questioned whether the proceedings aimed for change or served to improve the police's image. Beals reiterated her assertion that officers pushed her daughter towards the balcony.

Lawyers for the police officers cross-examined Beals, suggesting her presence in the apartment was brief and her understanding of events was limited. They challenged her interpretation of audio recordings, particularly a clip where she asked "What is she doing?"

Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old Afro-Indigenous woman, died after falling from her 24th-floor apartment balcony on May 27, 2020, while police were inside. The inquest has focused on her history of epilepsy and the ensuing confusion, as well as police procedures.

A neurologist's review of her records indicated symptoms consistent with postictal delirium, an altered mental state post-seizure. Beals testified Korchinski-Paquet had experienced two seizures that day and she had hoped police would facilitate her daughter's admission to a mental health facility.

Beals felt police escalated the situation, additionally alleging they pushed her daughter in the hallway, a detail she recalled during testimony. The Special Investigations Unit had previously cleared the officers, concluding Korchinski-Paquet fell while attempting to move between balconies. This report was first published October 27, 2026.