TORONTO – The trial of a Toronto police officer charged in connection with the shooting death of a teenager on a streetcar two years ago has been delayed until next week.
The postponement in Const. James Forcillo’s case comes because his defence lawyers and Crown prosecutors need to make legal arguments on certain matters to the judge presiding over the case, outside the presence of the jury.
Forcillo is charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim.
READ MORE: Toronto police officer pleads not guilty in 2013 fatal shooting of Sammy Yatim
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
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.
The teenager’s parents and his younger sister were at the courthouse on Tuesday, as were Forcillo’s wife and some of his supporters.
Opening statements in Forcillo’s trial – which were expected on Tuesday – are now anticipated next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Forcillo, who has been free on bail, has been working at Toronto Crimestoppers in an administrative role.
His lawyer has said his client is eager to tell his side of the story at trial.
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