Father of daughter found dead with mother to address coroner's inquest
CBC
WARNING: This story deals with suicide. Help line information appears at the bottom.
The father of nine-year-old Olivia Rodd, found dead with her mother in Charlottetown last year, will address a coroner's inquest for the second time on Tuesday.
Danny Rodd has asked to make a presentation to the inquest's six jurors.
Olivia and her mother Danielle White died in July 2020 at a home in the Sherwood neighbourhood of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Olivia's death has been ruled a homicide, and White's a suicide.
"We've basically gone through a handful of witnesses that have summarised what they've known about the events that have occurred," presiding coroner Dr. Craig Malone said on Monday.
"This information will be passed on to the jury for recommendations."
The purpose of a coroner's inquest is to review the circumstances surrounding the deaths to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
On Monday, the jury heard about how White had struggled with mental illness and had been diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder.
Charlottetown Police said they were called in April 2020 after White tried to get a drug, known to be used for suicide, shipped to her home in Charlottetown. The parcel was stopped and destroyed at the U.S. border.
"I don't necessarily enjoy hearing this type of information," said Malone.
"My heart goes out to the family. It was hard for me. I couldn't imagine how hard it was for them. My heart goes out to them. But certainly it was a hard day."
Rodd also spoke during day one telling the inquest that while White had self-harmed in the past she promised him she would never hurt their daughter.
"There is this thing called standing, and basically anybody who has a vested interest in the case has the ability to ask for standing,"said Malone.
"I had no issue of granting it with Danny. I mean, if there's anybody that has more of a vested interest in this, I don't think there's anybody else."
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