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NLIS 3
September 6, 2000
(Justice)

 

Minister to order judicial inquiry into shooting death of Norman Reid

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons has announced that he received a letter this morning from the province�s chief medical examiner, concerning the shooting death of Little Catalina resident Norman Reid. Mr. Reid was shot during an encounter with RCMP officers on Saturday, August 26, after he allegedly attacked a member with a hatchet.

"The chief medical examiner has informed me that while his investigation and report is not yet complete, he believes it is in the public interest to recommend an inquiry," said the minister. "Government takes matters of this nature very seriously and I concur with his recommendation."

Minister Parsons also announced that he met this morning, with Assistant Commissioner Larry Warren, commanding officer of the RCMP�s "B" Division, who advised him that in light of public concerns about the impartiality of the investigation, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been asked to conduct an independent, parallel, criminal investigation of the incident.

"Assistant Commissioner Warren indicated that he has complete confidence in the professionalism of his members, and welcomes the scrutiny of the Ontario Provincial Police, and the judicial inquiry, so the public can be fully informed on the incident," stated the minister.

OPP members arrived in the province on Tuesday, September 5, at the RCMP�s request. A full investigation team will be arriving shortly.

The minister pointed out that a judicial inquiry cannot take place until the final police investigation is complete. Timing will also depend on whether any criminal charges are laid as a result of the incident.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6564.

2000 09 06 4:25 p.m.


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