Some facts about the case of the Toronto cop charged in Sammy Yatim’s death

TORONTO – Some facts about the case of the Toronto police officer charged in the death of a teen on an empty streetcar two and a half years ago.

THE VICTIM: Sammy Yatim. Evidence at the trial has shown that the 18-year-old had ecstasy in his system when he boarded the streetcar on which he died. A jury has heard Yatim exposed himself and pulled out a small knife while he was sitting at the back of the vehicle, sparking a panicked exodus.

THE ACCUSED: Const. James Forcillo, a 32-year-old police officer who had been with the force for three and a half years when he killed Yatim. He was released on bail shortly after his arrest and has been working at Crimestoppers since February 2014 after his suspension was lifted.

THE CONFRONTATION: The interaction between Yatim, who was on an empty streetcar, and Forcillo, who was on the street, lasted about 50 seconds. Forcillo pointed his gun at Yatim and repeatedly yelled at the teen to drop the knife he was holding. Yatim refused and hurled expletives at police. Forcillo fired after Yatim, who had taken a few steps into the body of the streetcar, moved back to the spot at the top of the vehicle’s stairs, where he had been standing before.

THE CHARGES: Forcillo is charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in Yatim’s death. He’s pleaded not guilty. Forcillo faces life in prison if found guilty of second-degree murder.