July 31, 2024
(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC) – On July 25, 2024, at the Prince George Courthouse, Judge Adrian Brooks announced a mixed verdict in the tragic death of Dale Culver, a member of the Wet’suwet’en
and Gitksan Nations. Constable Arthur Dalman was found guilty of obstructing justice, and co-accused Sergeant Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz was acquitted. The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) stands with
Dale Culver’s family and the respective communities who have been struggling for justice and answers for his violent death.
Dale Culver, 35, died in police custody on July 18, 2017, after being violently apprehended and pepper sprayed for riding a bike without a helmet. As he was held in custody, he soon began having difficulty
breathing and died shortly. Following years of investigation and legal proceedings, the obstruction charge against Constable Dalman carries a potential prison term of up to 10 years.
The judge’s ruling follows bystander Kenneth Moe’s testimony in June 2024, where he revealed that officers pressured him to delete video footage, he took of the events following Culver’s death. Moe testified he
felt “violated” when the officers threatened him with confiscation of his cell phone and obstruction charges if he did not comply. His testimony highlighted officers’ attempts to suppress evidence in the investigation of Culver’s death, drawing attention to misconduct within the RCMP.