'It’s a horrible loss': Joint inquest wanted from families of men killed by Winnipeg police
The families of two men who were fatally shot by Winnipeg police are speaking out, calling for answers and support.
Gerry Singer said it’s been nearly two months since his brother, 59-year-old Bradley Singer, was fatally shot by Winnipeg police.
“It’s a horrible loss,” said Singer. “It was just so unnecessary for this to happen, and I can’t imagine how my brother felt dying like that. I mean, it’s got to be horrific.”
Police said on Feb. 13, officers responded to an order under the Mental Health Act to apprehend Bradley and take him to hospital for a non-voluntary physician examination.
Police said Bradley was shot by officers after barricading himself in his home and later confronting officers with a weapon.
Less than two months earlier, 19-year-old Afolabi Opaso died after being shot by police, who were responding to reports of a man acting erratically.
Police said Opaso was armed when he was shot by an officer, but Opaso’s family’s legal counsel said the young man was having a mental health episode.
“It seems as though that a call for help, unfortunately in Manitoba for people with mental health, seems to become a death sentence,” said Jean-Rene Kwilu.
Now the families of the two men are demanding answers, in the form of a joint inquest by Manitoba’s Chief Medical Examiner.
“However long it takes, we intend to get to the bottom of what happened to these two mentally sick men, and to find out why it happened, how it happened, and whether or not these deaths could have been avoided by using alternative means,” said Martin Glazer, the legal counsel for the Singer family.
They also say more supports are needed for families of people killed in police encounters.
In a statement to CTV News Winnipeg, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said his heart goes out to the families who are dealing with the tragic losses of a loved one.
“Our government recognizes the need to address the mental health crisis facing many on our streets, which is why Budget 2024 has funds to hire 25 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement,” said Wiebe.
“Recently, the Independent Investigations Unit hired a Director of Indigenous and Community Relations, which is a first step towards changing the way the IIU interacts with families and communities to better support them.”
He added the province is also reviewing policing standards throughout Manitoba, in hopes of preventing further incidents involving police.
However, Singer said more changes need to happen, and they need to happen fast.
“You judge by how you take care of the most vulnerable, the most needy, and this is what it’s come to. There’s just systematic failures in our systems,” said Singer.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told CTV News Winnipeg that an inquest would be called once all investigations and reports are complete.
Whether or not it will be a joint inquest is up to the Chief Medical Examiner.
The IIU is probing the death of Bradley Singer, while the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating Afolabi Opaso’s death.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.