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Crown Challenges OPP Officer’s Account in Manslaughter Trial Over Fatal 2021 Shooting

Prosecutors question Const. Sean O’Rourke’s claim of an accidental discharge, citing firearm safety standards and procedural lapses.

Nicholas Edward Grieves, 24, of Brantford died in hospital from wounds suffered after he was shot in a vehicle on Highway 401 on July 7, 2021. Grieves had been stopped near Highgate by Chatham-Kent OPP officers responding to a gas theft. OPP Const. Sean O'Rourke has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. PHOTO Supplied
Nicholas Edward Grieves, 24, of Brantford, died in hospital from wounds suffered after being shot in the early morning of July 7, 2021 after being stopped by Chatham-Kent OPP officers on Highway 401 near Highgate who were responding to a theft of gas call. OPP Const. Sean O'Rourke has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. PHOTO Supplied

Overview

  • Const. Sean O’Rourke, on trial for manslaughter, maintains his gun discharged accidentally after he stumbled during a traffic stop in July 2021.
  • The Crown alleges O’Rourke fabricated the stumble explanation to cover up negligent handling of his firearm during the incident.
  • Forensic experts testified that O’Rourke’s Glock 17 required deliberate trigger pull, making accidental discharge unlikely.
  • The court heard that O’Rourke did not fix a broken radio or call for additional backup despite concerns for his safety during the stop.
  • Nicholas Grieves, 24, died after being shot in the shoulder, with the bullet severing two major arteries; the trial will resume next week as the defense begins its case.