There are red flags in the death investigation of Stacy DeBungee.
Retired Toronto Police Officer Dave Perry testified on Day Five of the hearing Monday, recalling a November 2015 experience with Brad DeBungee trying to meeting with the investigators at police headquarters.
Perry was hired by the DeBungee family and the Rainy River First Nation to investigate the October 2015 death of the 41-year-old, who was living in Thunder Bay but formerly was an Anishinaabe member of Rainy River First Nations.
Perry told the tribunal that he was horrified by the way that Brad was treated and was shocked by the way that even he was treated in a brief meeting with Detective Sergeant John Reid.
Perry conducted his own investigation over a three day period and felt there was information that investigators should have had.
He added the meeting with Detective Sergeant Reid was short and curt, with a feeling of “who the hell are you?”
Perry found it troubling that within a day, investigators had already determined that there was no foul play in DeBungee’s death.
Defense Counsel David Butt, who represents both Staff Sergeant Shawn Harrison and Detective Constable Shawn Whipple, stated to Perry that despite his testimony that Thunder Bay Police did not try to interview the family for their investigation, there were three other meetings between Harrison and Brad DeBungee.
Staff Sergeant Shawn Harrison also testified Monday, admitting that it was a mistake that he turned down a meeting with the retired Toronto Police Officer, which led him to plead guilty to the offence of failing to perform duties according to the Police Services Act based on the agreed statement of facts.
When recalling the initial meeting with Brad DeBungee, Harrison said that Brad wanted an inquest into the death of Stacy.
Harrison also denied the claim that he discouraged Brad to obtaining legal help.
Defense Counsel Butt also asked his client about the November 2015 meeting, which was only between Brad DeBungee and Shawn Harrison.
Harrison tried to explain that he had put in a call with the Office of the Regional Supervising Coroner, and wanted to wait for that response before initiating a meeting with DeBungee.
Harrison felt the meeting was not friendly and comfortable, with DeBungee accusing police of not not doing any work on the death investigation because Stacy was Indigenous.
The officer admitted he was annoyed because Brad was accusing him of not doing his job.
Harrison said both gentlemen agreed or disagreed and eventually shook hands.
Harrison entered a not guilty plea on the second charge of failing to treat or protect people equally during the case.
Detective Constable Shawn Whipple has pled not guilty to both charges.
Leonard, DeBungee and lawyer Julian Falconer filed the complaint against the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OPIRD) on March 18, 2016, alleging a pattern of the police service jumping to conclusions when it comes to the deaths of Indigenous people.
The Livestream will resume at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday with closing submissions set for late next week.