Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Depression, No Support Cited At Inquest Into Deaths Of Mother And Autistic Son

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Sep, 2015 12:28 PM
    PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. — An inquest in Prince Rupert, B.C., has heard a mother was battling depression and a lack of support when she killed herself and her severely disabled son in their north coast home.
     
    The hearing began Monday examining the April 3, 2014 death of severely autistic 16-year-old Robert Robinson and the suicide of his 39-year-old mother, Angie Robinson.
     
    The sister of the dead woman, Michelle Watson, testified about the 39-year-old's mental health struggles, problems with a past abusive relationship, and difficulties in finding services or receiving support while raising Robert.
     
    The teen was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and Watson told the jury he would often try to hurt himself by butting his head into walls or breaking windows if he was startled.
     
    A relief worker who handled Robert's case told the jury the youth was generally happy.
     
    A psychiatrist and three RCMP officers are scheduled to testify Tuesday, with the inquest slated to continue at the Prince Rupert courthouse until Friday. 

    MORE National ARTICLES

    One Man Safe, Another Still Missing In Separate Searches Near Vancouver

    One Man Safe, Another Still Missing In Separate Searches Near Vancouver
     A search has resumed for a 49-year-old hiker overdue on a lengthy expedition through bush near Pitt Lake, northeast of Vancouver.

    One Man Safe, Another Still Missing In Separate Searches Near Vancouver

    Keith Caouette, Man Considered High Risk To Reoffend Missing From Vancouver Halfway House

    Keith Caouette, Man Considered High Risk To Reoffend Missing From Vancouver Halfway House
    Police say he is a two-time federal offender who has served 14 years in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault with a weapon.

    Keith Caouette, Man Considered High Risk To Reoffend Missing From Vancouver Halfway House

    Evacuation Alert Issued In Pemberton, B.C. Over Fears Of Mudslide

    Evacuation Alert Issued In Pemberton, B.C. Over Fears Of Mudslide
    Thirty-eight properties in a small community northeast of Pemberton, B.C., have been placed on an evacuation alert just days after a mudslide.

    Evacuation Alert Issued In Pemberton, B.C. Over Fears Of Mudslide

    B.C. Invests Up To $10 Million To Prevent Wildfires, $5 Million To Tackle Crime

    Premier Christy Clark has announced millions of dollars in funding for projects ranging from crime and forest-fire prevention to jumpstarting rural economies.

    B.C. Invests Up To $10 Million To Prevent Wildfires, $5 Million To Tackle Crime

    Jesse Rau, Bus Driver Fired Amid Pride Controversy Running For Christian Heritage Party

    Jesse Rau, Bus Driver Fired Amid Pride Controversy Running For Christian Heritage Party
    Jesse Rau says he will run in the riding of Calgary Signal Hill, where the other candidates include former provincial cabinet minister Ron Liepert for the Conservatives, Khalis Ahmed of the NDP and Liberal Kerry Cundal.

    Jesse Rau, Bus Driver Fired Amid Pride Controversy Running For Christian Heritage Party

    Jonathan Phillips, Brain-Injured B.C. Man Says Sorry After Pleading Guilty To Multiple Thefts

    Jonathan Phillips, Brain-Injured B.C. Man Says Sorry After Pleading Guilty To Multiple Thefts
     A man who went on a bizarre crime spree before taking on three deputy sheriffs while in custody has been sentenced to time served and must get treatment for a brain injury.

    Jonathan Phillips, Brain-Injured B.C. Man Says Sorry After Pleading Guilty To Multiple Thefts