News Release
SIU Terminates Investigation into Man's Death in Hamilton
Case Number: 07-OCD-023
Appeals Form
The SIU was notified that on January 30, 2007, at about 4:30 p.m., the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) received a 911 call about a man who was seriously injured and inside a home on Tragina Avenue North in Hamilton. The police learned that in addition to the injured man, there were three other people inside the home.
HPS officers, including those from the Emergency Response Unit, responded to the call and entered the home. Tactical Response Unit officers from the Halton Regional Police Service also attended to assist. Officers removed the injured man and two women from the house. The injured man was taken to hospital where he died. The HPS is investigating this man's death.
The remaining occupant, later identified as Gregory Russell, remained barricaded inside the house. At about 7:00 p.m., HPS officers re-entered the home and found Mr. Russell with what appeared to be a fatal gunshot wound.
Six SIU investigators were sent to Hamilton to examine the nature and extent of police involvement in all the circumstances surrounding Mr. Russell's death. As part of the investigation, investigators attended Mr. Russell's post mortem examination that took place this morning. Based on all the evidence gathered, SIU investigators determined it appeared Mr. Russell's injuries were self-inflicted. SIU Director James Cornish stated, "Given that there is no reason to believe that any of the involved HPS officers caused or contributed to this man's death, the SIU investigation into this man's death has been terminated."
The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
- report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General.
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342