An inquest will be held into the death of a Sarnia man who was shot and killed by London police nearly five years ago.
The inquest into 29-year-old Justin Bourassa's death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.
It's a public hearing conducted by a coroner, lawyer, or retired judge before a jury of five community members.
The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Bourassa’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
Bourassa was shot and killed during a struggle with London police in an alley off Richmond Street on October 28, 2021.
Police said they were investigating a downtown London break-in when Bourassa was killed.
They have since acknowledged the break-in never occurred.
Police were cleared of any wrongdoing by the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in 2022.
The SIU reported Bourassa was apprehended by an officer while another tried to handcuff him. He then broke free and attempted to run from police before falling to the ground with one of the officers who grabbed him.
Police allege he started choking the officer for approximately 45 to 60 seconds and refused to stop, which is when the other officer shot at him.
The SIU said the London police officer was protecting the life of their partner at the time.
In 2023, it was announced the Bourassa family was seeking $3.9-million in damages from the London Police Services Board, former police Chief Steve Williams, current police chief Thai Truong and two unidentified London police officers.
Further details regarding the inquest, including the date and venue, will be provided at a later date.
