Krista Siefken (Cowichan News Leader Pictorial) – The Cowichan Mountie who shot and killed Derek Welton has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.
The police investigation into the 2009 incident was conducted by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, which includes municipal and RCMP officers.
Victoria Police Department Sgt. Grant Hamilton confirmed the investigation has now concluded and no charges have been recommended.
“There was no criminality in any of the officers’ actions,” he said Friday.
The investigation wrapped about two weeks ago, he added, and the full findings will be disclosed during next week’s coroner’s inquest into Welton’s death.
Welton, 39, was shot and killed by a member of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP on March 1, 2009.
Now presiding coroner Rodrick MacKenzie and a jury will publicly hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses to determine the facts surrounding the incident, and may make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
As reported previously, five officers arrived at the Duncan R.V. Park & Campground at about 6 p.m. the night Welton died, responding to an abandoned 911 call.
At some point, Welton armed himself with a knife, and police said they utilized multiple force options, including use of a Taser, without success.
A senior officer with 11 years on the job fired his weapon and hit Welton. Police did not say how many rounds were fired or where Welton was hit.
Inquests into police-involved deaths are typically automatic. Welton’s starts on Jan. 31 at the Duncan Law Courts.
Recent Comments