Quebec coroner is investigating the case of a teenager shot dead by provincial police in 2018

SHERBROOKE, Que. — A coroner’s inquest is underway into the death of a Quebec teenager who was killed by provincial police four years ago while allegedly holding an air gun.

Riley Fairholm, 17, was shot dead in the early morning of July 25, 2018, in the parking lot of an abandoned restaurant in Lac-Brome, Quebec, about an hour southeast of Montreal.

The shooting was investigated by Quebec’s independent police watchdog and the Crown decided not to press charges.

The Crown says it was Fairholm who dialed 911 and was allegedly in crisis.

Police said they tried to negotiate with the teenager to drop the gun before opening fire.

The inquest is being led by coroner Géhane Kamel at the courthouse in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and will hear from civilian witnesses, Fairholm’s family, police officers present and various experts.

Kamel says his inquest, which is expected to last two weeks, will shed light on Fairholm’s death and include recommendations to better protect human life.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 13, 2022.

The Canadian Press

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