Coroner’s Inquest in police shooting will use new rules
The first Clark County coroner’s inquest using new rules to probe police killings has been tentatively set for June 29.
The first case under the revamped system involves Benjamin Hunter Bowman, 22, whom police fatally shot in November when he held a knife to the throat of a female bartender at a PT’s Pub off Sahara Avenue.
A pre-inquest conference, which involved parties could attend, was held Monday. It was closed to the public. Those who can attend include the judge, district attorney, law enforcement, a representative for Bowman’s family and appointed counsel known as an ombudsman.
A second pre-inquest meeting is scheduled for June 3.
Inquest reforms were enacted in January. The most significant changes include creating an ombudsman to represent the family and the public at hearings, holding two pre-inquest meetings and disclosing available evidence to interested parties before an inquest.
The last inquest was in October. Officials put the hearings on hold until the changes were implemented.
Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.
