Death of Sammy Yatim

The death of Sammy Yatim

Graffiti on a Toronto sidewalk in memory of Sammy Yatim, July 31, 2013.
Time Just after 12:00AM
Date July 27, 2013 (2013-07-27)
Location Dundas Street and Bellwoods Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Participants James Forcillo (shooter)
Deaths Sammy Yatim
Charges Second degree murder
Attempted murder
Convictions Attempted murder
Sentence 6 years in prison[1]
Litigation $8-million lawsuit filed against Toronto Police Service by Sammy Yatim's family[2]

The death of Sammy Yatim occurred early in the morning of July 27, 2013, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Yatim, an 18-year-old Toronto male armed with a pocketknife, was shot at nine times, and was hit by eight of the shots fired by 30-year-old Toronto Police Service (TPS) officer James Forcillo. He later died from the injuries.[3] The incident occurred after Yatim, brandishing a 12 cm (4.7 in) switchblade knife in a Toronto streetcar,[4] advanced on passenger Bridgette McGregor,[5] threatened other passengers, and exposed himself.[6] The confrontation between Yatim and the police was recorded and footage of it was released publicly, prompting strong reactions across Canada.[7]

On August 19, 2013, Forcillo was charged with second-degree murder. On July 30, 2014, he was also charged with attempted murder. On January 25, 2016, he was found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter, but guilty of attempted murder.[8] On July 28, he was sentenced to six years in prison.[1] The next day, he was granted bail pending an appeal of the court's sentence.[9] This incident was the only time an on-duty Ontario officer was charged and convicted in the death of a person since the inception of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in 1990.[10]

Shooting

At 10:30 pm on July 26, Sammy Yatim boarded a subway,[11] and then later boarded a streetcar around 11:45pm[12] on the 505 Dundas line. Sometime afterwards, he drew his 12 cm (4.7 in) switchblade knife,[4] attacked passenger Bridgette McGregor[5] and told passengers to remain on the streetcar, reportedly acting aggressively towards other passengers.[13] Frightened, the passengers promptly tried to escape. Yatim then revised his demands, ordering everyone off the streetcar. He began to approach the driver of the vehicle but stopped to shout obscenities at the crowd gathering outside. The driver of the streetcar remained at the controls until shortly before police arrived.[14]

Passenger and witness Aaron Li-Hill said that upon boarding the streetcar he initially noticed Yatim sitting at the back, across from a group of teenage girls.[14] He later heard giggling from the back of the streetcar followed by a scream, then saw Yatim brandishing a knife as the girls ran past him toward the front doors.[14] According to witness Jessica Doyle, another passenger on the streetcar, Yatim seemed irate, mentally unstable, and oblivious to her presence as he walked directly past her aboard the streetcar.[15] Doyle reported that as he walked past her, Yatim was holding his exposed genitals in his left hand and a knife in his right hand.[15] According to Melody Garcia, another passenger, Yatim "took his penis out with one hand and a knife in another."[14]

Police arrived at the scene. At the front of the vehicle, Constable James Forcillo of the Toronto Police Service called for a Taser, believing the situation "could be contained".[13] According to videos of the incident, police asked Yatim to drop the knife and warned him not to "take one step in this direction". After Yatim took a step forward, Forcillo fired nine shots; an initial salvo of three followed by an additional six several seconds later. Approximately 30 seconds later, Forcillo's Sergeant, Dan Pravica Tasered Yatim.[13][16][17]

It was later determined that eight of the nine shots fired hit Yatim, and the initial salvo of three shots had killed Yatim almost instantly. Surveillance video indicates that Yatim was lying on the ground when the last six shots were fired.[16][18]

Yatim was transported and later pronounced dead at St. Michael's Hospital.[19]

Backgrounds

James Forcillo

James Forcillo was born December 30, 1982, in Montreal, Quebec. He is a second-generation Italian-Canadian.[20][21] He was a constable with six years on the force at the time of the shooting.[22] He graduated from a justice program at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, California, United States, and received a psychology degree from York University in Toronto. He worked as a security guard in Toronto, and then was employed as a court services officer for three years. Up until Yatim's death, he worked as a patrol officer for three years.[21]

Sammy Yatim

Sammy Adib Yatim was an ethnic Aramean born on November 5, 1994, in Aleppo, Syria. He emigrated to Toronto from Aleppo, Syria, with his family in 2008.[23] He had recently graduated from Brebeuf College School in North York, Toronto and had told a friend he intended to focus on his education.[23]

It is unclear what provoked Yatim's behaviour the night he was shot. His family claimed that he had no history of mental illness or violence.[24] He had “moderate to moderately high levels of ecstasy in his system at the time of his death, as well as marijuana and a trace amount of cocaine" according to the autopsy report.[25]

Aftermath

In July 2014, an $8-million lawsuit was filed against Toronto Police Service by Yatim's family.[2] The shooting and subsequent investigation and trial raised questions about police accountability in Toronto.[26]

SIU response and criminal trial

As the event was recorded on cellphone camera and available for viewing by the public, it received international coverage and attention as a potential use of excessive force by the Toronto Police.[27] It also triggered protests, with one temporarily blocking traffic on Dundas street downtown.[28]

On August 8, the Ontario Ombudsman, André Marin, launched a review of police tactics for defusing heated situations, in the wake of public outcry over Yatim's death. The decision was criticized by the Toronto Police Association as a grandstanding political move, and the review as too vague in its goals.[29]

Internal review

On August 12, Toronto police chief Bill Blair announced he had enlisted former Associate Chief Justice of Ontario, Dennis O'Connor, to conduct an internal review of the use of force by police, and recommend ways police can better respond to situations involving the mentally unstable.[30] On August 28, however, O'Connor withdrew from the police probe due to a potential conflict of interest.[31]

There is no known investigation into the use of the Taser in the incident or into videos which allegedly show a police officer kicking shell casings inside the yellow police tape at the scene of the shooting.[16]

Arrest

On August 19, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for Forcillo. He was charged with second-degree murder. Forcillo surrendered on August 20. If convicted, the minimum sentence is life imprisonment without parole eligibility for at least ten years.[32]

Free on $510,000 bail, Forcillo was not required to appear at the next stage of his preliminary hearing on December 11. Toronto police stayed a disciplinary charge of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act of Ontario until the criminal trial has finished.[33] Despite this, Forcillo returned to work, but he did not have a firearm nor did he wear a TPS uniform. Michael McCormack responded by saying "the situation is not unusual for officers who have been suspended."[34]

On June 17, 2014, the preliminary inquiry ended with judge Richard LeDressay ordering Forcillo to stand trial in 2015. Evidence presented in the inquiry is under a publication ban. Forcillo continued to serve as a Toronto Crime Stoppers administrator.[35]

On July 30, 2014, Crown prosecutors added the charge of attempted murder "by shooting [Yatim] with a firearm and thereby wounding him."[36] Legal experts said the second charge was a highly unusual strategy.[37]

Trial

Lawyers on both sides of Forcillo's trial began making pre-trial motions in the Toronto Courthouse on September 14, 2015. Jury selection began on September 30, 2015.[38]

Crown

During the trial, presided over by Justice Edward Then,[8] the prosecution put forward the theory that Forcillo had over-reacted and "lost his cool" in his decision to fire at Yatim.[39] A former police chief testifying as a use of force expert said he believed Yatim provided no imminent threat requiring the use of deadly force by Forcillo.[40] In cross examination, the prosecution asked Forcillo why he had not put more effort into de-escalating the situation to avoid violence. Forcillo responded that pulling out his firearm in response to Yatim's knife was "a form of de-escalation".[41]

Defence

Forcillo argued that he was acting in self-defence both times he fired his weapon.[8] In testifying in his own defense, Forcillo explained that he followed standard police procedure, and believed Yatim to be a threat when he ignored his orders to "drop the knife" and instead proceeded to advance towards him.[42] In support of the defense, a police college instructor testified that Forcillo was out of options the night he shot Yatim.[43] Passengers on the streetcar also testified their experiences of fear, terror and chaos when Yatim threatened them with his knife.[44]

Verdict

On January 25, 2016, the jury found Forcillo not guilty of second degree murder and manslaughter, but guilty of attempted murder.[8] The jury accepted the defence's argument that Forcillo was justified in firing the first three shots, but found him not justified in the second round of shots, thus guilty of attempted murder.[45][46] The verdict meant Forcillo faces a four-year minimum sentence.[46][47]

Forcillo challenged the minimum sentence law and his conviction, in arguments heard in May 2016.[48] After the defence was granted a postponement to prepare on May 16, the legal challenge began May 18, expected to last two or three days, followed by the sentencing hearing over another two. The defence sought house arrest, and the Crown sought eight to ten years in prison.[49]

At the conclusion of the hearing on May 26, judge Ed Then said he will announce Forcillo's sentence on July 29.[50]

On July 28, 2016, Forcillo was sentenced to six years in prison. The TPS also suspended him without pay.[1] After one night in jail, he was bailed pending an appeal of the court's decision. His lawyers were ordered to provide the court with an update on this process by November 9.[9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lupton, Andrew (28 July 2016). "Toronto officer sentenced to 6 years in streetcar shooting death of teen". CBC News. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  2. 1 2 Hough, Jennifer. Sammy Yatim’s family sues Toronto police for $8-million for using ‘excessive’ force the night of streetcar shooting, National Post, July 23, 2014.
  3. ↑ Alamenciak, Tim (August 24, 2013). "Who was Sammy Yatim?". The Star. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  4. 1 2 National Post Staff Posted: November 20, 2015 Last Updated: Jan 25 2:33 PM ET (November 20, 2015). "A violent end: Tracing Sammy Yatim's standoff with Toronto police:The Final Minutes:How it all began; National Post". nationalpost.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  5. 1 2 CBC News Posted: Dec 22, 2015 11:54 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 22, 2015 1:17 PM ET (December 22, 2015). "Sisters feared knife-wielding Sammy Yatim aboard streetcar, court hears; Canadian Broadcasting Corporation". cbc.ca. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  6. ↑ Thursday, August 1, 2013 8:42 PM EDT Facebook Twitter RSS (July 30, 2013). "Sammy Yatim: 'This is a tragedy for all involved,' family says | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. Retrieved 2013-08-02.
  7. ↑ O'Neil, Lauren. "Sammy Yatim murder charge sparks strong reaction among Canadians - Your Community". CBC News. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Hasham, Alyshah (2016-01-25). "Toronto police officer found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter after firing two volleys of shots at knife-wielding 18-year-old in empty streetcar.". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  9. 1 2 "Toronto police officer guilty in fatal streetcar shooting released on bail pending appeal". CBC News. 29 July 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  10. ↑ Long, Jamie (2016-07-30). "Why video now plays a major role in probes of deaths linked to police". CBC News. para. 6. Retrieved 2016-07-30.
  11. ↑ Alamenciak, Tim. For Sammy Yatim’s father, ‘horrible nightmare’ continues, The Hamilton Spectator, July 31, 2014.
  12. ↑ Mehta, Diana. Sammy Yatim shooting death on Toronto streetcar shown in court, CTV News, October 21, 2015
  13. 1 2 3 Visser, Josh (August 19, 2013). "Toronto police officer charged with second degree murder in streetcar shooting death of Sammy Yatim". The National Post. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Torstar, Staff (2013-07-31). "Tourist recounts Sammy Yatim's behaviour on Toronto streetcar | Metro". Metronews.ca. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  15. 1 2 Thursday, August 1, 2013 8:42 PM EDT Facebook Twitter RSS (2013-07-18). "Sammy Yatim 'wasn't stable,' says witness on streetcar | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. Retrieved 2013-08-02.
  16. 1 2 3 Warmington, Joe (August 22, 2013). "8 of 9 shots fired at Sammy Yatim hit the teen". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  17. ↑ Kari, Shannon (December 16, 2015). "Toronto officer says he tased Sammy Yatim to get medical help faster". Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  18. ↑ New video appears to show Sammy Yatim already on ground during last six shots, MetroNews.ca, July 30, 2013.
  19. ↑ King, Robin Levinson; Keung, Nicholas (2013-07-28). "Sammy Yatim, 18, is identified by friends as the person slain after late-night knife confrontation.". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  20. ↑ "The Killing of Sammy Yatim". Toronto Life.
  21. 1 2 "A look at the life of James Forcillo, the officer charged in Toronto's streetcar shooting", by Kathryn Blaze Carlson, Globe and Mail
  22. ↑ Tepper, Sean (July 29, 2013). "Sammy Yatim: Officer in streetcar shooting suspended". Toronto Star. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  23. 1 2 CBC News (July 31, 2013). "Toronto streetcar shooting changes 2 lives forever". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  24. ↑ Pagliaro, Jennifer (August 19, 2013). "Sammy Yatim: Timeline of events after teen shot dead". Toronto Star. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  25. ↑ The Toronto Star, October 20, 2015, Murder trial begins for Const. James Forcillo in Sammy Yatim shooting
  26. ↑ Levin, Jamie (July 30, 2013). "Sammy Yatim shooting puts police accountability front and centre?". The Star. Retrieved 2014-12-18.
  27. ↑ "Yatim family 'heart-broken, confused' over teen's death - Toronto - CBC News". Cbc.ca. July 30, 2013. Retrieved 2013-08-02.
  28. ↑ "Renewed protests planned in Toronto over Sammy Yatim shooting", by Vidya Kauri, The Globe and Mail
  29. ↑ Gallant, Jacques (9 August 2013). "Sammy Yatim shooting: Ombudsman calls look at de-escalation techniques a 'win-win'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  30. ↑ Bosanac, Alexandra (12 August 2013). "Toronto police chief enlists retired judge to examine police use of force after fatal streetcar shooting". National Post. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  31. ↑ Carlson, Kathryn Blaze (28 August 2013). "O'Connor withdraws from police probe amid controversy over his appointment". Globe & Mail. Toronto. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  32. ↑ Criminal Code
  33. ↑ "Disciplinary charge of cop in Sammy Yatim death on hold". CityNews.
  34. ↑ "Sammy Yatim killing: Const. James Forcillo back at work with TPS - Toronto - CBC News". CBC News.
  35. ↑ "Toronto cop James Forcillo to go on trial for second-degree murder in streetcar shooting of Sammy Yatim", by The Canadian Press, via The National Post
  36. ↑ "Toronto officer faces extra charge in Sammy Yatim shooting case", by The Canadian Press, via The Globe and Mail
  37. ↑ "Attempted murder charge in Forcillo trial continues to puzzle legal experts". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  38. ↑ "Trial begins for officer charged with murder in Sammy Yatim shooting". CP24. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  39. ↑ Gallant, Jacques (2015-11-30). "Yatim's great mistake was 'mocking you and thinking he could get away with it,' Crown attorney tells accused in court Monday.". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  40. ↑ "Use-of-force expert critical of police tactics during Sammy Yatim shooting". 18 November 2015.
  41. ↑ "James Forcillo tells court pointing firearm at Sammy Yatim was 'a form of de-escalation'". CBC News. Canadian Press. Nov 27, 2015.
  42. ↑ "James Forcillo says Sammy Yatim was unafraid, 'unreasonable' before fatal shooting". 26 November 2015.
  43. ↑ "Police college instructor says Const. James Forcillo out of options night he shot Sammy Yatim". thestar.com. 21 December 2015.
  44. ↑ "Sammy Yatim murder trial hears witness tell of terror, chaos on streetcar". thestar.com. 22 December 2015.
  45. ↑ "Toronto constable guilty of attempted murder in 2013 streetcar shooting of teen". CBC News. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  46. 1 2 Kari, Shannon (2016-01-25). "Toronto Const. James Forcillo guilty of attempted murder of Sammy Yatim". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  47. ↑ Hasham, Alyshah (2016-01-25). "Forcillo guilty of attempted murder in shooting death of Sammy Yatim". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  48. ↑ http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2016/01/27/forcillos-5-year-mandatory-minimum-could-go-to-supreme-court.html "
  49. ↑ "Sentencing hearing postponed for Const. James Forcillo, convicted in streetcar shooting", by Canadian Press, via CBC
  50. ↑ "Forcillo to learn sentence July 29", by Sam Pazzano, Toronto Sun
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