Coroner’s inquest into fatal shooting of Sammy Yatim by Toronto police begins Monday

Nearly a decade after Sammy Yatim was fatally shot by former Toronto police officer James Forcillo, a coroner's inquest begins today to examine the circumstances of the high-profile death.

Yatim, 18, died on July 27, 2013 after he was shot eight times by Forcillo inside a Toronto streetcar. The killing drew national attention and spurred outrage after the Forcillo was captured on video repeatedly shooting at Yatim, including as the teen lay prone on the floor of the Dundas West streetcar.

Police had been called to the scene after Yatim had sent passengers fleeing the streetcar when he pulled out a knife and exposed himself. By the time Forcillo fired his weapon Yatim was alone on the streetcar.

After a three-month trial, a jury found Forcillo not guilty of second-degree murder in Yatim's death but convicted him of attempted murder - an outcome made possible by Crown prosecutors' rare decision to split the nine shots into two distinct volleys and separate criminal charges.

Forcillo, who resigned from the Toronto police in 2018, was sentenced to six years in jail and was later granted full parole in 2020.

Police officers who are involved in fatal incidents typically testify at coroner's inquests.

Coroner's inquests are held to probe the circumstances of a death; in Ontario they are required when someone dies in police custody. A jury of five members of the public hears evidence and can make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.

The Yatim inquest is expected to last for 10 days and hear from 11 witnesses.

Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis