Dunphy shooting has 'political element,' could be election issue, says lawyer
Daughter wants commitment from parties to hold public inquiry
The lawyer for the daughter of Don Dunphy, the man shot by a police officer on Easter Sunday, says the question of whether a public inquiry will be held into his death could become an election issue.
"The people really decide what are the election issues," said Erin Breen in an interview with CBC's Here and Now on Tuesday.
"The people are looking for answers and the people recognize that the background of Mr. Dunphy's death unfortunately has a political element to it. It will be a political decision to call a public inquiry."
Dunphy was shot to death in his home in Mitchell's Brook by a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer assigned to provide security for Premier Paul Davis.
The officer was following up on tweets Dunphy had posted on Twitter.
The RCMP is investigating the killing to determine if criminal charges should be laid.
"They are awaiting some out-of-province information and I believe they hope to have a conclusion before Christmas," said Breen.
According to the lawyer, there has been "a vacuum of information" about the shooting.
She says his daughter Megan Dunphy is looking for answers that can only come from a public inquiry.
"What led, or possibly led, police to Mr. Dunphy's door on that day was politically connected, there was a political element to it, or so we are told," said Breen.
"She does think it's important right now for her to understand— whatever party may be elected to form the next government— whether there's a willingness there, whether there's a commitment there to look into this matter further in the form of a public inquiry; to lay the facts to light, to look at any policy issues there and to get the answers she is looking for."
Breen said there were protestors demanding answers outside a leaders' debate at the LSPU Hall in St. John's Tuesday night, and she expects that will continue throughout the election campaign.
"I've noticed a lot of activity on Twitter, which is not surprising, as Don Dunphy was a very active participant on social media," she said.
"He spoke out frequently on many issues, and made contacts with people across Canada and around the world with regard to his activism. They've really spoken out here because there has been a vacuum of information and they too are seeking answers on his behalf."
Both the Liberals and the New Democrats support a public inquiry. The Progressive Conservatives have said they want to wait until a decision has been made about charges.
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But Breen said there are aspects to Dunphy's death that are not part of a criminal investigation.
"Even from the way Megan Dunphy was treated throughout this process," she said. "And the use of body cameras by police."
Breen said if the officer was wearing a camera on the day of the shooting, there could be fewer questions today.