Dale Culver's family in March 2023 - CKPG

By Greg Fry

Dale Culver

Dale Culver’s family still waiting for justice

Apr 2, 2024 | 7:17 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Seven years later and Dale Culver’s family says they’re still waiting for justice.

On July 18, 2017, 35-year-old Dale Culver, a Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan man, was riding his bike through the streets of Prince George. Local RCMP Officers responding to a complaint of a man in the area casing vehicles, quickly considered him their primary suspect, officers approached and attempted an arrest. Dale fled on his bike and a struggle with police ensured. During the scuffle he was allegedly pepper sprayed, tackled by multiple officers, and pinned down on the sidewalk. In was around that time, when Dale Culver developed trouble breathing, and according to family. died in police custody on scene, all before medical intervention could arrive.

Two RCMP officers were charged with manslaughter and another three with obstruction of justice. Sgt. John Eusebio Cruz, Const. Arthur Dalman, and Const. Clarence MacDonald were charged with obstruction of justice. Const. Paul Ste. Marie and Const. Jean Francois Monette were charged with manslaughter. Sgt. Cruz and constables Dalman and MacDonald are set to face trial on May 13.

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The family says they’ve been waiting for justice for seven years now while the BC Civil Liberties Association says government should commit to implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which they say would bring policing legislation in line with BC’s domestic and international obligations.

“Dale was a beloved son, brother, father, and family member. Dale was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He should not have died that night. We have advocated for Justice for Dale, never wavering from our goal to hold the police accountable for their actions. Since Dale’s passing, we have witnessed police officers and security guards continue to seriously harm and kill people. I am furious knowing that police officers who were involved in Dale’s death, continue to work in Prince George. Our family will not rest until we get justice,” says a statement from Culver’s family.

Since Dale’s death, there have been 379 police-related deaths in British Columbia.