James Forcillo, currently facing a second-degree murder charge for Sammy Yatim’s death, walks through the Toronto Police headquarters on July 24, 2014.Mark Blinch/The Globe and Mail
A Toronto police officer charged in the shooting death of a teenager on a streetcar two years ago has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Constable James Forcillo is charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim. Constable Forcillo entered his not guilty plea as jury selection in his trial got under way in a Toronto courthouse.
Mr. Yatim was shot and killed on an empty streetcar on July 27, 2013 – an incident captured on surveillance and cellphone video on which nine shots can be heard following shouted commands to drop a knife.
Constable Forcillo, who has been free on bail, has been working at Toronto Crimestoppers in an administrative role.
Constable Forcillo's lawyer Peter Brauti says his client is eager for the trial to start so he can tell his side of the story.
Brauti says he hopes the jury in the case will be made up of "12 open-minded people that are prepared to reserve judgement until they've heard the evidence."