News Release

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has reviewed the facts around the October 2011 custody death of 54-year-old Lloyd Keleher. Ian Scott, the Director of the SIU, has concluded there are no reasonable grounds to believe an officer with the West Grey Police Service committed a criminal offence in this case.

The SIU assigned three investigators and two forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of this incident. The only subject officer designated declined the SIU’s request to be interviewed as is his legal right, but supplied a copy of his duty notes. The two designated witness officers were interviewed. The scene was measured, photographed and a diagram prepared. The area was canvassed for witnesses to no avail.

The SIU investigation found that the following events took place on October 7:

• In the afternoon of that day, the subject officer received a call to locate Mr. Keleher, who was reported to have left his residence. The officer drove to the area and located him near a van along the town’s river bank.

• The officer saw Mr. Keleher reach into his vehicle and retrieve a rifle. The officer called for assistance.

• Once the other officers arrived, the subject officer approached the river bank area where he last saw Mr. Keleher.

• The officer came across the body of Mr. Keleher. He had sustained a single fatal shotgun injury to the head.

Director Scott said, "There is no suggestion of any police wrongdoing in relation to Mr. Keleher’s death. The only reasonable conclusion from this investigation is that Mr. Keleher sustained a self-inflicted fatal injury. While Mr. Keleher’s death is regrettable, there is nothing to suggest that any officer was remotely involved."