TORONTO – The trial for a Toronto police officer charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim aboard a TTC streetcar resumes on Monday.
Const. James Forcillo testified during cross-examination on Friday that he disagreed with a suggestion from a Crown prosecutor he shot the teen without reasonable grounds.
The jury has heard that the moment Forcillo believed Yatim was about to attack was when the officer saw the teen jerk his knife towards him on the night of July 27, 2013.
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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 teen after a 50-second confrontation.
WATCH: Crowns paints Forcillo as ‘reckless, angry’ during Sammy Yatim murder trial
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.
Forcillo has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in Yatim’s death.
With files from The Canadian Press
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