Rare coroner’s inquest scheduled in Ilonka Cann case

HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A rare coroner’s inquest will be conducted into the cause and manner of death of a Luzerne County woman who mysteriously vanished more than 50 years ago.

It means a jury will render a decision based on testimony and evidence presented in court. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the death of Iionka Cann.

State police say there have been very few inquests held in the history of the county.

Ilonka Cann last spoke to her parents on May 25, 1970, and was reported missing two days later.
she was 22 years old at the time of her disappearance and lived on Cannon Road in Huntington Township with her husband and son.

Police investigating dog attack in Clinton County

There have been numerous searches for Cann in recent years near the Cann residence, where she was last seen.

The home was destroyed by a fire in 2022.

Last October, a Luzerne County judge legally declared Cann dead based on a petition filed by her sister. The ruling allowed state police to change their classification from a missing person investigation into a death investigation.

Investigators requested Luzerne County Coroner Jill Matthews convene a rare coroner’s inquest.

It involves the Attorney General’s Office presenting witnesses and evidence on behalf of the Commonwealth to six jurors and two alternates. The jury will also hear testimony before rendering their decision on Cann’s cause and manner of death.

The inquest is set to begin in early March.

Anyone with information relative to the case is asked to contact the Wilkes-Barre Barracks.

Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers are offering up to $5,000 for information regarding the investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.