Murder-suicide inquest: Angie Robinson terrible choice leads to 24 recommendations for change

The deaths of a Prince Rupertmother and her severelyautistic son haveled torecommendations from a coroner's inquest jury.

Angie Robinson killed herself April 3, 2014, after she ended her own 16-year-old son Robert's life.

"We can't bring Angie and Robbie back, but their deaths do not have to be in vain," said Robinson's sister, MichelleWatson.

Our hope is that other families don't have to attend other inquests- Michelle Watson, Angie Robinson's sister

The jury heard testimony that Robinson endured an abusive relationship, instead of moving to safety because her volatile son was not welcome at the women's shelter.

The jury recommendations included:

• Increasingtraining for child safety workers
• Ensuringmore consultation and communication between authorities.
• Providingfree autism training for parents.

The list of 24 recommendedchanges ends with a poignant point.

The six person jury underlinedevidence of a lack of empathy to Angie Robinson's situation, and noted that the Prince Rupert motherlooked for help and ran into walls, instead of support.

The jury began to hear evidence on Mondayabout the troubles facing Robinson,a single mother.

Urged to seek safety

Starting Sept. 28 theinquest heard evidence about domestic violenceAngiesuffered at the hands of Robbie's father, Robert Mutch.

Mutchis alleged to have broken intoAngie'shouse, assaulted her, andillegally confined her.

Prince RupertRCMP Cpl. Josh Brownlee testified police responded to at least 14 calls over two years.

Authorities urged Angie to seek safety at a women's shelter.

But her 16 year old son wasn't allowed to go to the shelter with her.

Violent Outbursts

Robbie was prone to violence, including punching and head-butting. He'd been sent home from school and even barred from a nearby respite home. He was considered a danger to other women and children at the shelter because of his violent outbursts.

Angie feared that if she went to the transition home, Robbie would be sent far away from their home community. So, she stayed in the home where both mother and son were later found dead.

Earlier this week, Michelle Watson, Angie's sister, toldthe inquestthatAngiehad often approached the Ministry of Children and Family Development for help, but no support was available.

Jurors were told Angie had attempted suicide several times.

Thursday, a child safety worker with the Ministry of Children and Families testified she erred in not considering the mother's suicide attempts a "red flag."

Tracy Beynon broke down and cried several times while giving evidence.

"I did not know where Robbie could go," she said.