An inquest into the death of a Sarnia tennis pro will take place Monday, May 4, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Justin Bourassa, 29, was shot and killed by London police nearly five years ago. An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act.
Murray Segal will be the presiding officer and Phil Tsui will be the inquest counsel.
The seven day inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Bourassa's death, and will hear from about seven witnesses.
The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
Bourassa died on October 28, 2021, during an interaction with officers from the London Police Service early that morning. Two officers wrongly suspected him of being involved in a nearby break-in.
In 2022, the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) cleared London police of any wrongdoing.
The SIU's report concluded 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 at close range.
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.
A motion hearing was held Monday where Segal took remote submissions from the parties involved.
The inquest will be conducted by video conference, and the public can view the proceedings by clicking here.
More information about inquests can be found here.
