Judge Rejects RCMP Officer’s Charter Challenge in Dale Culver Case

His Family’s Long Fight for Justice Moves Forward

Prince George, BC / unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation – Judge Adrian Brooks has dismissed an attempt by RCMP Constable Arthur Dalman to delay justice in the case of Dale Culver, clearing the way for sentencing to move forward.

Dalman, who was found guilty last summer of obstruction of justice for ordering bystanders to delete cellphone footage taken after Culver’s violent arrest, had applied for a stay of proceedings, claiming a breach of his Charter rights. On June 3, Judge Brooks rejected his application.

The next court appearance is scheduled for June 19, when a date for sentencing will be set. The family hopes sentencing will be concluded before the end of summer.

Dale Culver, a 35-year-old Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan man, died in Prince George on July 18, 2017, after being chased by police for riding a bicycle without a helmet. That night, multiple RCMP officers pepper-sprayed, punched, kicked, and kneed Culver, who died approximately 30 minutes later after complaining of difficulty breathing.

Although five RCMP officers were eventually charged, it took nearly six years for the B.C. Prosecution Service to approve criminal charges.

• • Manslaughter charges against Constables Paul Ste-Marie and Jean-François Monette were stayed in April 2024.

• • Obstruction charges against Constable Clarence MacDonald were stayed the following month.

• • Sergeant Jon Eusebio Cruz was acquitted, though Judge Brooks noted “serious concerns” about the credibility of his testimony.

On July 25, 2024, Judge Brooks found Dalman guilty, stating that he had lied under oath and that his testimony “is not worthy of any belief.” Dalman is now the only officer convicted of any offence related to the independent investigation into Dale Culver’s death.

Quotes:

Lily Speed-Namox, daughter of Dale Culver: “It is about time there is some accountability for my dad. We have been waiting eight long years for this, and I have somehow managed to remain positive about my feelings that eventually someone would be held accountable. Even if it’s because Dalman lied under oath to “protect” his fellow officers. How many people have to die before people realize that the justice system is broken?”

Debbie Pierre, cousin of Dale Culver: “Judge Brooks’ decision marks a step toward accountability, but true justice goes beyond one decision. My vision is for a system where Indigenous lives are protected—not silenced—and where police are trained to de-escalate, not destroy. This is not just about Dale; it’s about transforming a justice system that continues to fail our people. We will not stop until that change is real.”

Latoya Farrell, Policy Staff Counsel, BC Civil Liberties Association: “It has been a long road for Dale Culver’s family and friends. Throughout this process, they have remained resolute in their pursuit of justice. Police officers are rarely prosecuted in Canada. Judge Brooks’ decision solidifies why the trial process is necessary for police accountability. It demonstrates that police are not above the law. We will continue to advocate for stronger police oversight laws, adequate funding for civilian oversight bodies, and demand justice for those impacted by police violence.”