News Release
No Charges to Issue in Relation to Man’s Death in Machin
Case Number: 20-PCD-230
Other News Releases Related to Case 20-PCD-230
SIU Investigating After Man Sustains Fatal Gunshot Wound in the Municipality of Machin
On September 19, 2020, a 24-year-old man sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in Manchin, Ontario, succumbing to his injuries the following day in hospital. As Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers had interacted with the man and were in and around the area at the time of the shooting, the SIU was notified and commenced an investigation. Two of those officers were identified as subject officials for purposes of the SIU investigation.
The SIU Director, Joseph Martino, has closed the file concluding that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that either officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the man’s death.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): https://www.siu.on.ca/en/directors_report_details.php?drid=1413
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