Tracy Sims, the mother of Samantha Sims-Somerville, has spent the last three years fighting for justice, knowing in her heart that the death of her 18-year-old daughter to a toxic combination of alcohol and drugs at a house party was no accident. With new evidence coming to light, the B.C.
Coroners Service has reclassified the death a homicide after the investigation was reopened in March. "I always knew it was a homicide," said Sims. "So, when it came back I was in real shock, laughing and crying at the same time feeling relief that my daughter's name was in the clear now.
" The Coroners Service initially closed the investigation in January of 2024, but reopened it due to new information that was not available during the original investigation, according to the report. The follow-up investigation revealed evidence that Samantha and her friend were intentionally provided an unregulated substance of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) at a Victoria residence without their knowledge, by one or more individuals present on the night of April 9, 2021, the coroner said in its updated report. GHB is known to cause respiratory suppression and failure.
At nearly 3 a.m. that night, emergency services were called because Samantha and her friend were unresponsive, which prompted concern from bystanders.
Fire department personnel and B.C. Emergency Services paramedics were quick to arrive at the house party, where they began efforts to resuscitate both Samantha and her friend.
According to the rep.
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