Timeline of Beau Baker coroner's inquest: CBC coverage
Baker was shot 7 times after calling 911 in crisis
Beau Baker, 20, was shot and killed by a Waterloo Regional Police Service officer on April 2, 2015 outside Baker's home on 77 Brybeck Cres. in Kitchener, Ont.
On the night he was shot, Baker called 911 threatening to kill himself and harm others. Baker's family have said he had "documented mental health issues."
Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, said there were no reasonable grounds to charge the officer who fired the fatal shot in Baker's death, saying his actions were justifiable.
A coroner's inquest was first called in August 2016 but faced several delays. The jury will make recommendations to prevent future similar deaths.
The inquest began in Toronto on March 20, 2023. This is CBC's coverage of the trial:
Inquest begins
The coroner's inquest began with inquest council, Julian Roy, presenting visual and audio evidence to the jury to help them make their decision. They heard a 9/11 call with Baker, and an interview with Baker's roommate and neighbour after his death. The audio painted a picture of the events leading up to and including the shooting and the aftermath that followed.
Officer testifies
The jury heard from the Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) officer who responded to Beau Baker's 911 call and subsequently shot the 20-year old. They heard the officer wasn't equipped with a Taser.
Officer describes shooting
The WRPS officer who shot and killed Baker detailed the moments leading up to the 20-year-old's death. He offered a tearful apology to Baker's family.
Psychiatrist testifies
A psychiatrist and expert witness who reviewed Beau Baker's health records says he showed signs of emotional and behavioural problems in his pre-school years that were identified but not properly addressed. He was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. In the year before his death he visited local emergency departments 26 times for suicide ideation, suicidal behaviour and non-suicidal self injuries.
Police address 911 response
Waterloo Regional Police Service Staff Supt. John Goodman told the coroner's inquest the police response to Baker's 911 call would have been the same today as it was in 2015. He said it would have been considered a criminal call. Mental health workers would only be brought in when it was safe to do so.
Jackie Baker testifies
Beau Baker's mother, Jackie, described his childhood: from creative toddler, to the circumstances under which he and his brothers were placed in foster care and group homes, and the anger and sadness she saw in Beau following the death of his grandmother.
Jury deliberates
Dr. David Eden, who is presiding over the inquest, charged the jury on the afternoon of March 30. The jury cannot make a finding of guilt, but rather will make recommendations to prevent similar deaths from happening in the future.
Jury makes recommendations
The jury ruled Baker's death was a suicide and made 24 recommendations. Most of those recommendations were directed toward police, municipal and the provincial government. In particular the jury called on the Region of Waterloo and the province to create youth wellness hubs to better support young people.