News Release
SIU Investigation into Hamilton Shooting Continues
Case Number: 09-OFI-031
Other News Releases Related to Case 09-OFI-031
On Thursday, February 12, 2009 six investigators and three forensic investigators from the SIU responded to Hamilton to probe the actions of the HPS in the shooting of 18-year-old William Beckingham. Investigation to this point has determined that Mr. Beckingham sustained gunshot wounds during his contact with officers of the HPS.
Mr. Beckingham underwent surgery at Hamilton General Hospital. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
SIU investigators will be back in the James St. N. and Strachan Ave. area today to continue the investigation. They will be conducting a canvass of the area of the shooting in order to identify and interview any members of the public who may have witnessed the incident.
The SIU has designated one subject officer and four witness officers from the HPS.
The SIU is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact the Unit at 416-641-1867 or 1-800-787-8529 extension 1867.
If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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