KINGSTON, Ont. — Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner will hold an inquest into the death of Dominik Martorino, a 43-year-old man who died in April 2021 following an interaction with Ontario Provincial Police officers, provincial officials said Thursday.
Dr. Armita Rahmani, the Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region at the Kingston Office, announced on Jan. 22, 2026 that the inquest will proceed under the province’s Coroners Act. The Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed that the proceeding is mandatory in this case, reflecting legal requirements that apply to certain types of deaths in Ontario.
Martorino died on April 6, 2021, after the interaction with police, according to the announcement. No additional details were provided about the location, nature of the encounter, or medical circumstances leading to his death.
An inquest is a public hearing intended to examine the facts surrounding a death. In Ontario, the process is not designed to assign criminal or civil liability, but rather to determine the circumstances of a death and identify potential steps that could reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
The province said the upcoming inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Martorino’s death. A jury may also issue recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths, which can be directed toward institutions, public agencies, or other organizations involved in related systems or services.
While the announcement confirms the inquest will take place, the ministry said scheduling details have not yet been finalized. “Further details regarding the inquest, including the date and venue, will be provided at a later date,” the release stated.
Inquests in Ontario can draw attention from the public and from stakeholders in law enforcement, health care, and community advocacy, particularly when they involve deaths connected to police interactions. Recommendations issued through the inquest process can influence policy discussions, operational practices, and training standards, although they are not legally binding.
The decision to proceed through a mandatory inquest underscores the role of Ontario’s coroner system in reviewing deaths that occur under specific circumstances outlined in legislation. Inquests are typically led by a presiding coroner and supported by counsel, with witnesses called to provide evidence relevant to the events leading to the death.
The ministry did not provide information on who may be called to testify, whether any expert evidence will be presented, or what documentation will be reviewed as part of the hearing. It also did not indicate whether the Ontario Provincial Police or other agencies have issued separate statements.
For businesses, municipalities, and public institutions, coroners’ inquests can also have broader operational implications. Recommendations may lead to changes in procedures, reporting requirements, or inter-agency coordination, depending on the findings. In cases involving police interactions, inquest outcomes can contribute to ongoing discussions around public safety, accountability, and emergency response protocols.
The Ministry of the Solicitor General directed the public to provincial resources for additional information on the inquest process and how coroners’ investigations are conducted in Ontario.
At this stage, the province has not set a timeline for when the inquest will be held or when findings and recommendations could be expected.
