An motion hearing ahead of an upcoming inquest into the death of a Sarnia man, who was shot and killed by London police nearly five years ago, is scheduled for Monday.
Justin Bourassa, 29, was shot and killed during a struggle with London police in an alley off Richmond Street on October 28, 2021.
Police said they were investigating a downtown London break-in when Bourassa was killed. They have since acknowledged the break-in never occurred.
Presiding Officer Murray Segal announced on Thursday, the public hearing will begin at noon on April 27, with parties making their submissions remotely.
A date for the mandatory inquest to examine the circumstances surrounding Bourassa’s death has not been set.
Police were cleared of any wrongdoing by the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in 2022.
The SIU reported Bourassa was apprehended by an officer while another tried to handcuff him. He then broke free and attempted to run from police before falling to the ground with one of the officers who grabbed him.
Police allege he started choking the officer for approximately 45 to 60 seconds and refused to stop, which is when the other officer shot at him.
The SIU said the London police officer was protecting the life of their partner at the time.
