The family of an 18-year-old man who was fatally shot by a Toronto police officer has decided not to speak Wednesday after an officer was charged and granted bail.
Sammy Yatim’s family notified the media late Tuesday night that a news conference that was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon has been cancelled.
In a written statement, the family thanked people for their support and prayers, and explained its reasons for deciding not to speak publicly.
“Please understand that this has struck our family to the core,” the statement to the media said. “While we understand your interest and concern for us, we are trying to heal and regain some sense of normalcy in our lives. While we know you have questions we simply do not have the energy right now to comment.
“We thank all those who have been supporting us and guiding us through this time and we ask that you please respect that we need to save what energy we have left right now in our fight for justice for Sammy,” the statement added.
The decision came hours after Const. James Forcillo, who is charged with second-degree murder in Yatim’s death, was granted bail on the same day he was taken into custody.
The officer-involved shooting occurred early July 27 after Yatim brandished a knife on a TTC streetcar. The deadly encounter occurred after the streetcar stopped at Dundas Street West and Bellwoods Avenue.
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