Family of Joey Knapaysweet, man shot and killed after fleeing Timmins police, issues statement

The parents of a 21-year-old man shot and killed in Timmins, Ont., by local police this month have issued a media statement saying they "need answers."

According to Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, JoeyKnapaysweetdied on February3 after he fled police in the GilliesLake area, and one of the officers fired a gun.

The SIU is still investigating the shooting death and is prohibited from making comment during an investigation.

The family'sstatement, issued througha Toronto law firm, said the Knapaysweetfamilyis "still in shock."

"What did he do that was so bad that he had to be shot and killed?" asked Joey's motherMicheline Knapaysweetin the release.

"I am so heartbroken, with so many questions unanswered. I cannot sleep at nights, I need answers. This is my son, my child."

The Knapaysweetfamily said in the release that it will speak publicly"in the days to come, but for now they ask for
understanding and peace."

According to a statement issued February7 by prominent Indigenous leaders on the James Bay Coast, Knapaysweetleft his home in Fort Albany, Ont.,and went to Timminsto seek medical care.

The Chiefs' release lamented the lack of health services available in First Nations communities, and pointed to concerns about systemic racism.

On the heels of Knapaysweet'sdeath,a 62-year-old woman from Fort Albany died after being detained in a jail cell by TimminsPolice.

Agnes Sutherland's death is also under investigation by the SIU.