IIO Update to Fatal Incident in the Village of Granisle, BC (2016-073)

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Posting

Surrey – The Independent Investigations Office of BC is continuing its investigation into the April 21, 2016 fatal incident in the Village of Granisle.

The IIO confirms that police were responding to a complaint of an assault involving neighbours on April 21, 2016. Police attended the residence of a male and female affected person. The male affected person interacted with police and was subsequently shot. Shortly after, the female affected person exited the house, interacted with police and was subsequently shot.

Police and non-police issued weapons were seized during the initial stages of the IIO investigation. The presence of weapons and their use is being examined as a part of the IIO investigation. The IIO is mandated to investigate critical incidents where the actions or inactions of police result in serious harm or death; therefore, the thoroughness of the investigation must consider all issues arising from the incident.

Seven IIO investigators and one Affected Persons Liaison (providing services to the family) were deployed to Granisle for the investigation.

Investigators have interviewed witnesses, designated subject and witness officers and collected evidence from the scene. If the investigation necessitates, IIO investigators will return to Granisle.

At the invitation of the Mayor of Granisle, IIO staff participated in a town hall, attended by roughly 100 members of the community, to provide information on the investigation process.

No further information or updates will be provided at this time.

Any potential witnesses are asked to call the IIO toll-free witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

The family has requested that the media respect their privacy in this incident.

Marten Youssef
Acting Director, Public Accountability
Marten.Youssef@iiobc.ca

Aidan Buckley
Communications & Stakeholder Relations Liaison
Aidan.Buckley@iiobc.ca