Mother of Beau Baker speaks out after another fatal police-involved shooting on Brybeck Crescent

The mother of Beau Baker is speaking out following Monday night’s fatal shooting in the area of Brybeck Crescent in Kitchener.

Speaking with CityNews 570, Jackie Baker said she sends her condolences to the family of the 31-year-old man who was killed.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young man who was killed,” said Baker. “It’s not something most people will ever have to experience. I just hope the family reaches out to me or someone else for guidance and comfort.

On Apr. 2, 2015, Beau Baker was shot by police after they were called to his home on Brybeck Crescent. He later died in hospital.

An inquiry into his death ruled last year that Baker died by suicide. They also gave 24 recommendations to prevent any further deaths in the future.

A probe conducted by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Oct. 2015 found there was “no reasonable grounds” to lay any charges against the officer involved in the shooting. Baker said she has “zero faith” in the SIU and that changes need to be made.

“It’s been nine years since the death of my son and several more years since the death of others,” said Baker. “I think it’s time now for some changes with police, not just with mental health.”

Police responded to the area of Brybeck Crescent and Karn Street Monday night following a disturbance. Officers engaged with a man with an “edged weapon” that led to a 31-year-old man to be shot. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.

The SIU said the investigation is ongoing.