Don Dunphy's daughter loses faith in RCMP, demands outside investigation
The lawyer for Don Dunphy's daughter wants an independent police force to investigate Dunphy's fatal shooting after a "red flag" was raised about the RCMP's handling of the case.
St. John's lawyer Erin Breen told CBC News Wednesday she's requested that an outside police force, like the Ontario Provincial Police, be called in.
"[Dunphy's daughter] told me that point blank — she does not have faith in the investigation that is ongoing," Breen said.
"I was so concerned and I see such a red flag here in terms of the objectivity of the investigation that I made the request to say, 'Bring someone else in to do this.'"
Breen said Dunphy's daughter raised concerns about the investigation April 14.
Since then, Breen has notified the RCMP and the department of Justice and Public Safety.
"What Ms. Dunphy's immediate concern … is that the investigators who are handling this file right now, she does not feel that the job is being done thoroughly and she does not believe it's being done objectively," Breen said.
"She wants to see that stopped."
Breen isn't revealing the specifics because it's an active investigation.
Dunphy was killed April 5 by a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Mitchells Brook.
The officer — a member of Premier Paul Davis's security detail — was visiting to discuss a perceived threat made on Twitter when Dunphy was shot and killed.
RCMP promises professional investigation
Meanwhile, the RCMP is assuring that the force is mandated to conduct "a professional investigation into this matter."
"The investigation will be thorough, it will be comprehensive, and it will be complete," said Staff Sgt. Boyd Merrill.
The Justice and Public Safety department is echoing similar sentiments, saying it would not be appropriate for Minister Darin King to "involve himself in that investigation."
"He has every confidence that this matter is being thoroughly and impartially investigated by the RCMP with Justice Riche serving as an independent observer," a spokesperson said.
Breen said while she is supportive of having Riche as an independent observer, it doesn't address issues the family has with the investigation.
"What is really crucial here is an objection investigation without any red flags for tunnel vision or anything other investigative problems."
Both Liberal Leader Dwight Ball and NDP Leader Earle McCurdy support a public inquiry into Dunphy's death.
Ball has said he would have preferred that an outside police force handle the investigation.
With files from David Cochrane