Mesic family respond to SIU findings

It’s been four months since 45-year old Steve Mesic died in a hail of police gunfire just steps from his front door. Since that time his wife, and family, have waited patiently for the results of an SIU investigation into his death. A report that they hoped would answer many of the painful questions that surrounded his death. They finally received that report on Tuesday, and Friday afternoon Scot Urquhart went to the home where Mesic died, to hear their response.

They were hoping for answers, but say the SIU investigators, and their report left them not only disappointed, but angry, and determined to fight for change:

Norm Dorr’s assessment of the SIU investigation, is blunt: “Am I afraid to use the word “coverup”? No. I’m not afraid to use the word coverup, and that’s exactly what I think it is.”

On Tuesday, Sharon Dorr and her father received the official summation of the SIU investigation into the police shooting that killed Sharon’s husband; Steve Mesic.

Norm: “We do not accept the fact that Steve was not murdered.”

Dorr says the SIU explanation of the shooting, was inadequate, inaccurate, and sometimes contradictory. For example he says; he asked three times about the shovel that Mesic reportedly threatened police with, and got three different answers. It was found inside the fence. It was found outside the fence. It was found beside Steve’s body: “Obviously, this shovel has a mind of its own, and can get around the property by itself.”

But most incredible, says Dorr, is the SIU explanation of what happened after Mesic was shot: “The man was just received five bullets into his torso, and one in his back, and we’re supposed to believe that Steve turned around and walked, 25 feet from where he was shot, to where his body came to rest.”

Just 10 days ago, Sharon give birth to Domenik, the son that Steve will never see. It doesn’t take long to see that the joy of his birth, is tempered by the agony of his father’s death: “Lastly, and most difficult, a few words to Steve. We love you. I promise to try to raise your son with the positive energy, and love, that you generated each and every day.”

But when it comes to the questions that surround her husband’s death, Sharon is determined to pursue a demand, for fundamental change in the system: “If change does not occur, you may find yourself in my position one day or worse, in Steve’s position, dead.”

The investigation may be complete — but the questions have just begun.

We should point out that nine shots were fired at Steve Mesic by police. Three of those bullets are still unaccounted for. Norm Dorr says when he asked about them and what would have happened if the stray shots had hit someone, the answer from SIU investigators was: “…well that didn’t happen, so we’re not worried about it.” The family meanwhile has not yet made a decision, on whether to pursue a lawsuit but their next step will be to rally as many people as possible, to attend the next Hamilton Police Services Board meeting; that is currently scheduled on October 15th at 4pm.