Ten years after the fatal shooting of Anthony Heffernan in a northeast Calgary motel room, the Calgary Police Service has decided to withdraw disciplinary actions against two officers involved in the incident. The reasons for this decision, communicated in a letter to Heffernan’s family, include the lengthy time that has elapsed since the shooting and the anticipated minimal penalties for the officers. Heffernan’s mother, Irene, expressed her deep sorrow and outrage, emphasizing the gravity of her son’s death.
On March 16, 2015, police responded to a wellness check for a guest at the Super 8 motel. Heffernan, 27 years old at the time, was reportedly perceived as possibly intoxicated or in distress and was shot by the officers upon their entry into the room. Reports suggest that Heffernan held a needleless syringe during the incident. Following an investigation, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team recommended charges against Constable Maurice McLoughlin, but the Crown chose not to pursue them, citing insufficient evidence.
The two other officers initially slated to face disciplinary charges were Const. Sandeep Shergill and Staff Sgt. Lon Brewster, who faced accusations related to unlawful entry and failure to properly assess risks. A recent letter indicated that the charges would be dropped, attributing reasons including the decade-long delay in reaching any outcomes and the realization that penalties, if any, would be minimal. The letter also highlighted that the actions in question wouldn’t qualify as intentional misconduct.
Tom Engel, the lawyer representing the Heffernan family, expressed disappointment but was not entirely surprised by the decision to dismiss the charges. He conveyed the family’s distress over the lack of accountability for the officers involved, describing the situation as a significant miscarriage of justice. Irene Heffernan echoed these sentiments, stating that the family intends to continue advocating for justice in Anthony’s case.
Doug King, a justice studies professor, emphasized the impact such decisions have on public trust in law enforcement, noting that the community is likely to view the situation skeptically. He acknowledged that while procedural fairness might have been upheld, the outcome failed to provide justice for the victim. This sentiment resonates with Heffernan’s family, who are determined to pursue dialogue with Calgary’s police chief regarding the case.
The Calgary Police Service confirmed that the disciplinary actions would be withdrawn, highlighting the severe consequences of the incident for the Heffernan family. While they expressed acknowledgment of the family’s pain, they indicated that further details regarding the withdrawal would be shared transparently after the Police Act hearing. The Heffernans remain resolute in their pursuit of accountability, underscoring the personal nature of their quest for justice, driven by their love for their son.
