Earle McCurdy calls for inquiry into Don Dunphy shooting

NDP Leader Earle McCurdy says a judicial inquiry is needed in the shooting death of Don Dunphy in Mitchells Brook to restore the public's confidence in the province's police forces.

McCurdy, who spoke to reporters Wednesday afternoon, said the provincial government should commit to an inquiry prior to the conclusion of the RCMP's investigation into Dunphy's death.

The start of the inquiry, McCurdy said, should wait until the conclusion of the police investigation.

"What happened on Easter Sunday in Mitchells Brook is a matter of great public concern and has shaken the confidence of the people of the province in our law enforcement processes," McCurdy told reporters. 

The call for an inquiry isn't criticism against any one particular individual group or person, McCurdy said, but is needed due to the public's concerns. 

Erin Breen, the lawyer representing the Dunphy family, said Dunphy's daughter is "generally supportive" of the call for an inquiry.

'A citizen of our province was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer'

"Among other things it would need to look into the protocols and decision making processes of the protective security unit and the relationship between and among that unit, the premier's office, and the RNC, the RCMP and the general public."

McCurdy said the inquiry should also look at the email written by the RNC officer who shot Dunphy, which was leaked to the media. 

Dunphy, 59, was shot to death inside his home in a small community, 85 kilometres southwest of St. John's, by a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary on April 5.

The officer, who was part of Premier Paul Davis's security detail, was reportedly at Dunphy's home investigating a perceived threat made on Twitter to Davis and another politician at the time.

McCurdy said he has received calls from all over the province from people who want more answers.

"A citizen of our province was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer," McCurdy said.

"I don't know what happened there — I'm not passing judgement on what happened but I think, as in the Reid and Powers cases a few years ago, it's of sufficient magnitude and concern as to warrant a public inquiry."

McCurdy said calling an inquiry wouldn't prejudice the RCMP's investigation into what happened in Dunphy's home. 

The RCMP has called in retired Justice David Riche to act as an "independent observer" to the investigation into Dunphy's death. 

Justice and Public Safety Minister Darin King told CBC News Tuesday there are no plans to call an inquiry.

King said he is awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation.