After a jury investigation into the death of a man in Niagara at the hands of the police, recommendations have been made to enhance support for family members, witnesses, and officers involved in such incidents. The incident involved a Niagara police constable fatally shooting Martin Gordyn, 27, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on January 5, 2021. Gordyn, driving a stolen truck, was pursued by the police from Hamilton to Niagara, where he was eventually cornered by officers at Lundy’s Lane and Corwin Avenue.
The fatal shooting occurred when an officer fired at Gordyn while he was inside the truck, mistaking his actions for reaching for a gun when he was actually searching through a bag. Gordyn was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day, with the inquest jury determining that the gunshot caused his death.
An inquest was mandatory under Ontario’s Coroners Act due to Gordyn’s death involving an officer. These proceedings involve questioning witnesses, including eyewitnesses, experts, and institutional personnel, by lawyers representing various parties. Inquest juries deliver findings on the cause of death and can suggest non-binding measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. They do not assign legal culpability.
A review by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit found no grounds to charge the officer who shot Gordyn. The director of the SIU stated that the officer perceived a threat when Gordyn was handling a duffle bag and shot him in self-defense. The investigation revealed that Gordyn was unarmed, but the circumstances led to a mistaken belief by the officer.
The inquest jury issued four recommendations following the virtual proceedings in December. Two recommendations were directed at the Niagara Regional Police Service, emphasizing the need for enhanced support, including peer counseling and time off for officers involved in critical incidents, and exploring the installation of push bars on patrol vehicles. Additionally, two recommendations were made to the Government of Ontario to improve trauma-informed support for family members and witnesses in police-involved deaths and to review vehicle tinting legislation for enhanced public and police safety.
The jury’s decision-making process and the rationale behind the recommendations were outlined in a verdict explanation prepared for the inquest. The document highlighted the struggles faced by police officers in processing critical incidents and the trauma experienced by family members and witnesses. Concerns were also raised about the absence of push bars on police cars affecting tactical response and the impact of heavy tinting on the ability to apprehend suspects.
Gordyn’s partner described him as a caring individual who had a positive impact on their family. The partner shared memories of Gordyn’s kindness and the emotional and financial toll his death has taken on the family. The partner recalled Gordyn’s last words of encouragement and expressed the lasting impact of his support and compassion on those around him.