Investigations Abound in Dafonte Miller Case
On July 27-28, 2017, two separate investigations were launched concerning the Dafonte Miller case. Firstly, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders, ordered an independent review of police handling of the investigation be referred to the Waterloo Regional Police Service, and then on July 28, 2017, Durham Police Chief Paul Martin, ordered an internal review of his officers’ actions accompanied by a released statement, which was disputed by Falconers LLP as “an utter total misinformation” of events.
Falconers LLP lawyer, Asha James, who is part of the team representing Miller, stated that her client “welcomes a third-party review but wonders if Waterloo police are best suited for it, given they are currently facing a class-action lawsuit alleging the service ignored repeated claims of systemic gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault. The suit seeks $165 million in damages. We’re not sure that they would be the right service to do that.”
In response to Chief Martin’s direction for an internal review, former SIU Director, Howard Morton, stated “internal police reviews are not effective, and the public is unlikely to believe otherwise, because the police are investigating themselves.”
Falconer commented further, “my number one concern that has been conspicuous by its total silence is: What role did the father of the two brothers play?” Falconer told CBC Toronto. John Theriault is a longtime detective in the Toronto police professional standards unit and Falconer is raising questions about whether John Theriault could have used his position with the force to influence decisions made by Toronto police. “I would like to know what communications, if any, that John Theriault had with Durham Regional Police — did he contact them that night, or the day after, or the day after that in relation to the investigation?”
In the News
Toronto cop, father of 2 men accused of assaulting Dafonte Miller, connected to case police: report CBC, July 29, 2017
Unanswered questions surround beating of Toronto man allegedly at the hands of off-duty cop CBC, July 29, 2017
Who was responsible for contacting SIU in the Dafonte Miller case CityNews, July 28, 2017
Lawyers discussing bail conditions for cop charged in Dafonte Miller beating CP24, July 28 2017
Durham police launch an internal review of Dafonte Miller assault TheStar, July 28, 2017
Toronto mayor vows to get answers in handling of Dafonte Miller assault case Global News, July 28, 2017