Family of Peter de Groot mark 1st anniversary of his death in Slocan manhunt

The family of a man fatally shot by police in Slocan issued a statement ahead of the first anniversary of his death.

Peter de Groot was killed on Thanksgiving day last year following a manhunt that sent the Kootenay community into lockdown.

The incident began after officers were called to investigate an alleged shoving incident at de Groot’s rural home. Police say he shot at them and ran into the woods, a claim his family vehemently denies.

The case is being looked at by B.C.’s police watchdog, which reviews police handling of incidents that result in death or serious injury.

In a statement issued Sunday, the family said:

“We would like to thank every person that gave their love and support over the course of this most traumatic and difficult year. We would like to remember our brother today for the honourable person that he was and we hope that he rests with the knowledge that he was dearly loved. Peter’s family of animals has been relocated to family property and will be cared for there in perpetuity.

“We are still waiting on any results of the investigation from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. Our perspective and our position on the matter remains unchanged. Thank you for continuing to respect our privacy.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We would like to thank every person that gave their love and support over the course of this most traumatic and difficult year. We would like to remember our brother today for the honourable person that he was and we hope that he rests with the knowledge that he was dearly loved. Peter's family of animals has been relocated to family property and will be cared for there in perpetuity.</p><p>"We are still waiting on any results of the investigation from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. Our perspective and our position on the matter remains unchanged. Thank you for continuing to respect our privacy."

WATCH: De Groot family speaks out at 2014 press conference

Lawyer Don Sorochan said in an email that the family has not made a decision on whether or not they will file a lawsuit and that they are waiting on the IIO’s report into all the facts and circumstances of de Groot’s death.

The agency is waiting on reports about some of the elements of the investigation before the chief civilian director decides whether or not any of the officers involved may have committed an offence, IIO spokesman Marten Youssef said in an email.

Firearms analysis of the case is expected within the next two months, he added.

“While we wait for these reports, we never lose sight of those whose lives were changed and who continue to wait,” Youssef said.

-With files from Canadian Press