Toronto officer who killed Sammy Yatim to be cross-examined at trial

TORONTO – A Toronto police officer on trial for killing a teen on an empty streetcar will be cross-examined by Crown prosecutors today.

Const. James Forcillo has been testifying in his own defence after pleading not guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of Sammy Yatim.

The jury that will decide the case has heard that on a night in July 2013, Yatim had consumed the drug ecstasy before he boarded a streetcar on which he pulled out a small knife.

Videos and audio played at the trial have shown that Forcillo arrives on the scene, yells repeatedly at Yatim to “drop the knife” and fires nine bullets at the 18-year-old after a 50 second confrontation.

On Thursday, Forcillo testified that he believed Yatim was ready to “fight till the end” when confronted by police and noted that the teen didn’t comply with any orders to drop his knife.

Forcillo says he believed his concerns about an imminent attack from Yatim appeared founded when he saw the teen jerk his knife towards him.

The jury has heard that Forcillo issued a warning to Yatim not to take another step towards police and fired when the teen moved forward.

Crown prosecutors argue Forcillo’s actions during the incident weren’t necessary or reasonable. Forcillo’s lawyer contends his client’s actions were justified and carried out in self-defence.