Jurors begin sixth day of deliberations in Forcillo trial

Yatim was hit by eight out of nine bullets fired by Forcillo.

A jury found Toronto police officer James Forcillo guilty of attempted murder Monday for the shooting death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim, which was caught on video and caused an uproar in Canadian society.

Crown prosecutors had argued Forcillo’s actions weren’t necessary or reasonable, while his lawyer called those actions justified and carried out in self-defence.

Forcillo testified Yatim seemed completely unafraid and refused his commands to drop the knife.

Forcillo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder.

Yatim had brandished a small knife on board a streetcar and appeared to be suffering from a mental health episode at the time of the incident.

Jurors also heard testimony from a woman who was sitting near Yatim, and the streetcar driver who tried to calm the teen down.

Superior Court Justice Edward Then concluded two and a half days of final instructions to the jury Wednesday, by telling them to keep an open mind to arrive at a just verdict.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders was however cagey on the use of force by police officers.

Security was heightened during Forcillo’s trial, with plainclothes police escorting the officer in and out of the courtroom.