Toronto Police Officer Guilty of Attempted Murder in Sammy Yatim Shooting

A Canadian policeman was found guilty Monday of attempted murder in the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding teenager on a Toronto streetcar in July 2013.

He was found not guilty of second degree murder and not guilty of manslaughter.

Forcillo shot Yatim nine times on July 26, 2013 as the teen brandished a knife on the Dundas streetcar.

In his instruction to the jury earlier this week, Justice Edward Then said the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Forcillo was guilty of second-degree murder.

Forcillo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder.

Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack said Forcillo was “shocked and disappointed” by the verdict, which sends a “chilling message” to front-line officers. Forcillo’s lawyer Peter Brauti indicated he will try to have the proceedings stayed – which happens after a finding of guilt but before a conviction is registered. Yatim goads police while officers yell, “Drop your knife!”

He also said the case would prompt a review of police training.

Through the months-long trial, jurors have heard that Yatim had taken ecstasy before boarding the streetcar.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders was however cagey on the use of force by police officers.

The verdict suggests jurors believed the first round of shots – which led to Yatim’s death – was sacked in self-defence, but found the second volley was unjustified, the lawyers said. “I believe it would have changed the outcome on the attempt murder charge”.

“I promise my full support, along with the full support of the Toronto Police Service, to work with government, the mental health community, and whoever else can help to ensure that those in crisis get the assistance they need”.