News Release

SIU Investigates Custody Death in Hamilton

Case Number: 06-OCD-067   

TORONTO (17 April, 2006) --- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the circumstances surrounding: the death of a Hamilton man.

On April 17, 2006 at 0230 hrs Hamilton Police Service officers attended an apartment on the 36th floor of 100 Main St. E., Hamilton to check on the well being of a 34 year old male. The police officers were investigating the man, when he fell from the balcony to his death.

The SIU was notified of the death at 0245 hrs. Five SIU investigators, including two Forensic Identification Technicians have commenced an investigation. A post mortem examination will be conducted on April 17, 2006 at the Hamilton General Hospital.

The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Unit at 416-622-2290 or 1-800-787-8529.

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