Introduction

The trial for Toronto police Constable Calvin Au, accused of assaulting a young man during a fake Apple Watch transaction, kicked off Monday in a Brampton courtroom, drawing public attention due to its unsettling circumstances and tragic aftermath.

Opening Statements

Crown attorney Catherine Weiler opened the proceedings with a statement to Superior Court Justice Jennifer Woolcoombe, detailing the altercation that ensued between Au and 19-year-old Chadd Facey. Weiler revealed that Facey was tackled to the ground, sustaining injuries in the process.

The Background of the Case

The background of the case unfolds with Facey posting an advertisement for an Apple Watch on Kijiji, seeking $500. Const. Gurmakh Benning, a friend of Au's, pursued the deal, and after negotiations, they settled on $400. On April 26, 2021, they met at the Beryl Ford Public School parking lot, where Facey allegedly sold Benning a counterfeit watch, which ignited the confrontation.

Tragic Aftermath

Tragically, that same day, Facey was found with a bump on his forehead and later died at Brampton Civic Hospital. Despite the severity of the incident, the Crown noted they could not establish a direct link between Au's actions and Facey's death. Earlier charges against Au of manslaughter and aggravated assault have since been reduced to a single count of assault causing bodily harm after the Crown assessed there was no reasonable prospect for a conviction. Au remains on bail, suspended from duty with pay.

Witness Accounts

Witness accounts during the trial have painted a perplexing picture of the events leading up to the assault. Isaac Nkrumah, Facey’s closest friend, testified that on the day of the incident, the trio, including Facey, were outside smoking when Facey abruptly stated he had to resolve a matter. Nkrumah recounted dropping Facey off at the school and shortly receiving a frantic call from him to be picked up quickly. Upon arriving, Nkrumah found Facey injured, unable to explain what had transpired. Suspicion lingers as defense attorney Peter Brauti suggested the group might have been involved in a scheme to cheat Facey out of his Apple Watch, a claim Nkrumah vehemently denied.

Family's Perspective

Renae Facey, Chadd’s sister, shared a harrowing account of her brother's condition upon arriving home. Describing him as incoherent and in distress, she detailed how emergency services were called after her mother noticed the severe hematoma on his forehead.

Community Impact

The trial continues, with many in the community watching closely, questioning the implications this case could have on police conduct and accountability. As details emerge, the case raises significant concerns about the actions of off-duty officers and the handling of potentially dangerous situations in everyday life. Stay tuned as this story develops, revealing the intersection of crime, tragedy, and justice in our neighborhoods!