Toronto

Sammy Yatim killing: Const. James Forcillo inquiry to begin

The preliminary inquiry for Const. James Forcillo into the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim aboard a streetcar is set to begin in Toronto today.

Const. James Forcillo is charged with 2nd-degree murder in the shooting death of Yatim last July

Const. James Forcillo is the focus of a preliminary inquiry into the shooting of 18-year-old Sammy Yatin last July that will determine if there is enough evidence to move forward with a second-degree murder charge against the Toronto officer. (CBC)

The preliminary inquiry for Const. James Forcillo into the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim aboard a streetcar is set to begin in Toronto today.

The inquiry will determine if the Crown has enough evidence to move forward with a second-degree murder charge against Forcillo, 30, who is accused in the death of Yatim last July.

Because it is a preliminary inquiry, a publication ban is in place for the proceedings. 

The incident was recorded by security cameras and on amateur cellphone video. Nine shots can be heard on the videos, following shouts from police for Yatim to drop a knife he was reportedly holding during the confrontation.

The final six shots appear to come after Yatim had already fallen to the floor of the streetcar.  

Forcillo, who is free on $510,000 bail, has been suspended with pay.

A charge of discreditable conduct against him under the Police Services Act has been put on hold until the end of the criminal case.

The inquiry is set to run until May 9 and then continue from June 16 to June 20. 

With files from The Canadian Press