The RCMP officer who fatally shot a First Nations man in North Battleford in October 2017 will not be facing any criminal charges.
22-year-old Brydon Whitstone of the Onion Lake Cree Nation was killed following a brief police chase.
“After a comprehensive investigation by the Regina Police Service and in consultation with Public Prosecutions it was determined that no criminal charges will be laid in the death of Brydon Whitstone,” Drew Wilby, Justice Communications spokesperson said.
“The RCMP’s internal review of the circumstances leading up to and including the death of Brydon Whitstone is also complete. That review examined whether RCMP policy and procedure was adhered to in this matter.” The RCMP said in a statement.
Wilby says the decision not to lay charges was made weeks ago.
“What I’m aware of is the conclusion of matters, meaning the RPS investigation, the reference to prosecutions and sort of a final decision sort of speak being made was in the last six weeks,” Wilby explained.
Many details surrounding the circumstances of Whitstone’s death have not been made public. The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service has scheduled a public inquest for December 3 in North Battleford.
“The RCMP welcomes the coroner’s inquest as it is a fact-finding process that will allow for full disclosure of the facts as they pertain to this case. During the inquest, we expect to disclose our members’ role in this matter including all investigative/enforcement steps that were taken with the ultimate goal of ensuring public and officer safety during critical incidents such as this,” the RCMP statement concludes.
(PHOTO: Brydon Whitstone used in his obituary.)