The late Chester Hunchak is seen in this undated file photo.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
The public may now learn about the seven-year-old homicide of a local used car dealer early next year as a long-planned inquiry is now set to move forward.
Chester Hunchak’s body was found after a police standoff and shooting just south of Medicine Hat city limits in March 2014.
The man believed responsible for Hunchak’s death, Christopher Arkell, is named as the focus of a public fatality inquiry that begins with preliminary meetings this August in Medicine Hat.
The RCMP have released little information in regards to the unusual case other than to state a Medicine Hat police officer, who was supporting the Mounties at the standoff, shot and killed Arkell at the scene.
In 2019, investigators confirmed to the News they believe Arkell was responsible for Hunchak’s death, but would not discuss motive or other aspects of the case.
Police statements at the time and reporting by the News suggest Hunchak, a well-known businessman and colourful personality, may have been the target of a kidnapping plot that turned fatal.
For several years the case remained officially open by Mounties, the lead investigative agency, implying they were looking for other persons of interest.
The case was scheduled for a public fatality inquiry by Alberta Justice, which is typical for in-custody deaths and others in which police are involved.
The Arkell matter sat in limbo however, because inquiries can’t proceed until all potential criminal matters are resolved.
Since deceased people cannot be charged with a crime, the case status led many to believe potential accomplices were being sought.
This month however, Alberta Justice updated its list of hearings and moved the Arkell matter into “upcoming” proceedings and set Aug. 10 as a pre-inquiry conference date.
That meeting will determine witness lists and other matters for the inquiry, the date of which is yet to be scheduled.
The matter will be heard in Medicine Hat Provincial Court, presided over by Judge Sylvia L. Oishi, the Lethbridge-based assistant chief judge for the south region.
A fatality inquiry does not make findings of criminal wrongdoing, but can make recommendations regarding prevention or police or public agency actions.
It will likely also include a thorough recounting of police actions on the day.
Separately, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team already concluded that use of lethal force by the officer was justifiable.
