The quest for answers in the decade-old death of Myles Gray has been plunged into fresh turmoil. Brad Hickford, lead counsel for the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC), has resigned following a vulgar, hot-mic remark that has stalled the high-stakes police misconduct hearing in Vancouver.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Breakdown: What Happened?
- The Incident: Last Wednesday, during a live-streamed session, a microphone caught a whispered comment calling another participant “stupid,” followed by a gendered, obscene slur.
- The Fall-out: Hickford initially denied making the comment but resigned on Monday, citing “unbearable regret.” He is now facing a Law Society of B.C. investigation.
- The Target: Adjudicator Elizabeth Arnold-Bailey suggested the insult was likely aimed at her or a female defense lawyer.
The Impact: Justice Delayed?
The resignation is a massive blow to the timeline of the investigation. Hickford had spent over a year preparing for this case, and his departure leaves a giant void.
- The Delay: Replacing Hickford could pause the hearing for 6 to 12 months while new counsel reviews thousands of pages of evidence.
- The Family’s Grief: For the family of Myles Gray—who died in 2015 following a brutal struggle with seven VPD officers—this is yet another hurdle in an 11-year wait for accountability. Their lawyers are pushing to proceed immediately to avoid further trauma.
Why This Hearing Matters
This isn’t a criminal trial; it’s a misconduct hearing. While a 2023 inquest ruled Gray’s death a homicide (citing a crushed voice box and fractured eye socket), no criminal charges were ever filed. This hearing is the last remaining avenue to hold the officers involved professionally accountable.
What’s Next?
The hearing resumed today, Tuesday, January 27, to decide if the proceedings can continue with existing staff or if a total restart is required.
