In New Brunswick, Chantel Moore’s family filed a lawsuit against City of Edmundston and police officer Jeremy Son for negligence during a police intervention on June 4, 2020.
The notice of prosecution was filed Thursday at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmundston.
The plaintiffs are Chantel Moore’s mother, Martha Martin, on her behalf and as trustee of the deceased’s estate, and Chantel Moore’s son, Gracie Elizabeth Martin Fred, represented by Litigation Guardian Martha Martin.
The prosecution argues that the defendants were negligent and responsible for the circumstances that led to the girl’s death.
Complainants allege that the City of Edmundston has not adequately trained its police officers to conduct competency checks and intervene with Aboriginal people.
They also accuse the city of not providing stun guns, or Tasers, to all of its police officers.
Of the three Tasers available on the night of June 4, 2020 in Edmundston, only one works, but Jeremy Son doesn’t have it with him.
Jeremy Son was accused on his part of using excessive force, of having a serious error in judgment and of neglecting to ensure Chantel Moore’s safety during the intervention.
Chantel Moore’s mother is seeking damages from the City of Edmundston and police officer Jeremy Son. The amounts of these damages are not specified in the complaint.
The City of Edmundston declined to comment on the case.
Chantel Moore died at age 26, police shot Jeremy Son while he was conducting a welfare check on the Aboriginal woman. He shot him after he was approached with a knife.
No criminal charges have been filed against Jeremy Son.
The coroner’s investigation into Chantel Moore’s death is due to end Thursday. The goal was to clarify the facts about the girl’s death, who came from the Tla-o-qui-aht community in British Columbia.
The jury should make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths in similar circumstances.
With information from Sarah Déry
Source: Radio-Canada
