News Release

SIU Updates Investigation into Toronto Custody Death

Case Number: 05-TCD-004   

Other News Releases Related to Case 05-TCD-004

SIU Investigates Custody Death in Toronto

Mississauga (17 January, 2005) --- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is continuing to investigate the death of 34-year-old Paulo Medeiros. Mr. Medeiros died on January 14, 2004, after a struggle with Toronto Police Service officers at a home on Mulock Avenue.

Mr. Medeiros' cause of death is undetermined at this stage and toxicology and pathology tests are underway.

As part of the ongoing probe, SIU investigators have interviewed family members that were present at the time of the incident. Police equipment and clothing have been seized for examination and the home has also been photographed and examined. Police officer designations have yet to be made.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES