The jury in an Ontario coroner’s inquest investigating the shooting death of a Sarnia tennis player by London police has determined his death to be a homicide. After seven days of deliberation, the five-member jury proposed 10 recommendations to prevent similar incidents. Justin Bourassa, 29, passed away in the hospital on October 28, 2021, following an encounter with the London police.
Coroner’s inquests are mandatory in Ontario for deaths during police interactions, where jurors investigate the circumstances leading to the individual’s death and may offer recommendations. Meaghan Daniel, representing the Bourassa family, expressed their mixed feelings about the recommendations, noting that some aspects were left unresolved, causing frustration for the family who seek closure after losing a loved one.
Lorraine Sabourin Bourassa, Bourassa’s mother, raised concerns about communication, assessment, de-escalation, and decision-making during the inquest. She emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. During the inquest, London Constables Ryan Hendrick and Joshua Ryan testified about the events leading up to Bourassa’s death, explaining their actions in response to a reported break-and-enter incident.
The jury’s ruling of homicide, as clarified by presiding officer Murray Segal, does not imply culpability but simply acknowledges a person’s death caused by another individual. The jury also provided recommendations for the London police, the London Police Service Board, and the Ontario Police College, focusing on enhancing police training, including guidelines for de-escalation during investigative detentions and understanding individuals’ stress responses in interactions with law enforcement.
The family hopes that police training will continue to progress, emphasizing the importance of avoiding physical confrontations. Sabourin Bourassa expressed that the inquest does not mark the end of their grieving process and stressed the significance of honoring Bourassa’s memory.