After a recent inquiry into the death of a man in Niagara at the hands of the police, a jury has put forward suggestions for improved assistance for family members, witnesses, and officers involved in such incidents.
The fatal shooting of 27-year-old Martin Gordyn by a Niagara police constable took place in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on January 5, 2021. The sequence of events presented during the inquiry revealed that Gordyn, who was driving a stolen truck, was pursued by the police from Hamilton to Niagara. Eventually, the officers managed to stop his truck and surrounded him at the intersection of Lundy’s Lane and Corwin Avenue, where he was shot by an officer while still inside the vehicle. The officer believed Gordyn might have been reaching for a gun, but he was actually rummaging through a bag, as disclosed during the inquiry. Gordyn was pronounced dead in the hospital later that day, with the jury determining that a gunshot caused his death.
As Gordyn died due to police action, an inquiry into his death was obligatory under Ontario’s Coroners Act. These proceedings involve lawyers representing various parties, including the police, correctional facilities, hospitals, coroners, and the deceased’s family, questioning witnesses such as eyewitnesses, experts, and institutional personnel.
A review by the Special Investigations Unit of Ontario found no reasonable grounds to charge the officer who shot Gordyn with a crime. The director’s report explained that the officer fired at Gordyn while he was searching a duffle bag, mistakenly suspecting he had a gun. It was later revealed that Gordyn was unarmed and was actually holding a butane torch used for drug consumption. The review highlighted the challenging circumstances that led to the mistaken perception.
Following Gordyn’s death, the jury made four recommendations during the inquiry held in early December. These included suggestions for the Niagara Regional Police Service to enhance support for officers involved in critical incidents, consider installing push bars on patrol vehicles, and the Ontario government to provide better trauma-informed support for family members and review legislation on vehicle tinting for improved safety.
Gordyn’s partner described him as a caring individual in a statement for the inquiry, emphasizing the emotional and financial impact of his death on the family. The partner shared a poignant memory of Gordyn’s last words, showing his caring nature and desire to help others.
The recipients of the recommendations have six months to respond to the chief coroner, although the implementation of these suggestions is not actively monitored by the coroner’s office.
