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Police Officer Who Shot Sammy Yatim Nine Times Sentenced to Six Years in Prison
"I'm pleased today he received justice," says Yatim's mother.
Photo by Devan Cage from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
James Forcillo, the Toronto Police constable who shot teenager Sammy Yatim nine times in July 2013, has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Forcillo has already filed a notice to appeal the sentence, and will be released on bail. Today, he was also suspended without pay from the Toronto Police Service. Forcillo faces potential sanctions from the Toronto Police Service Tribunal as well.
In a complicated ruling, Forcillo was found guilty of attempted murder, even though he killed the 18-year-old on the streetcar.
Yatim’s mother Sahar Bahadi told the media she was grateful for the ruling and sentencing, and said, “I miss my son dearly, but I’m pleased that today he received justice.”
Bahadi added that she was disappointed Forcillo for not showing any remorse. “He destroyed our family. He destroyed our life,” she said.
Proud of the judge for being courageous enough to sentence #Forcillo to 6 yrs. #justiceforsammy
— L.A. (@bsugar77) July 28, 2016
The video is the sole reason why Forcillo was convicted/sentenced. If it wasn't for that, history tells us that it wouldve been self-defence
— Jess (@theLilGoat) July 28, 2016
It is satisfying to hear a judge say that police must be held to a higher standard & de-escalation is key. #Forcillo #SammyYatim
— Collings, Ruth. (@collingsruth) July 28, 2016