TORONTO -- A coroner's inquest has been launched in the death of a seven-year-old Toronto girl fatally beaten by her legal guardians.
Coroner Dr. David Eden says a jury will examine the events surrounding the murder of Katelynn Sampson and may issue recommendations on how to prevent similar deaths.
Sampson died on Aug. 3, 2008 following prolonged physical abuse at the hands of her guardians.
Warren Johnson, 50, and Donna Irving, 33 were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced in May to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years.
A family court judge had granted custody of the child to Irving, despite her criminal convictions for prostitution, drugs and violence.
The case drew widespread outrage and touched off a public debate over foster care.
The province has since made changes requiring guardians in child custody cases to submit police background checks.
It's not known who will preside over the inquest, and the date and location have yet to be determined.
