Murder Charge for Toronto Officer in Youtube Video
THUNDER BAY – Editorial – Social Media and a smartphone video of a shooting in Toronto have demonstrated their power. A video of a shooting of a young man armed with a knife in a Toronto Transit Commission Street Car in July went viral. The Toronto Police officer who shot the suspect nine times and killed the suspect now will face second degree murder charges.
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott, has reasonable grounds to believe that a Toronto Police Service (TPS) officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the shooting death of 18-year-old Sammy Adib Yatim in July of 2013. Director Scott has caused a charge of Second Degree Murder contrary to s. 235(1) of the Criminal Code to be laid against the officer. The incident took place on a TTC streetcar around midnight on July 26-27, 2013.
Warrant Issued for Constable James Forcillo
A warrant was issued for the arrest of TPS Constable James Forcillo. The SIU stated Monday, “Because the arrest warrant was just issued, Cst Forcillo has not been arrested at this point. An updated news release will be issued and tweeted as soon as there are any material developments”.
Society has the ability now from smartphones to record almost anything that happens. It can be someone acting silly, it can be serious incidents like the Toronto Shooting.
Youtube Video Generates Murder Charge
The officer will turn himself in today.
The power of the video image shows the one officer taking aim, shooting and downing the suspect. Although it is only a single angle video, the images have brought Toronto out to examine how the police interact with the public.
The power of social media, video and public opinion have raised the depth of concern over how police handle dangerous cases.
In cities across Canada Police are using social media to assist their investigations. It is a process that works both ways.
Family members and friends of Sammy Yatin, the young person who was shot are seeking more charges. The family is suggesting that all of the police officers on the scene have a responsibility in the shooting as well.
The case will now move off of social media and into the courts. Once that is done, information will likely slow for a while.
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