Relations and pals of a 43-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Hamilton over the weekend says they’re devastated by his loss of life and are in search of solutions and justice for his or her beloved one.
In a Nov. 11 assertion, the person’s family recognized him as Erixon Kabera, a father of three and well-known member of the Rwandan-Canadian group.
“Erixon dedicated his life to his family, faith, and community, building a reputation as a compassionate, gentle, and honorable man,” they wrote.
“We are devastated for this unspeakable loss of a man who was a giant in his own right, the kindest soul we’ve ever known and the pillar of our family and community. With his infectious smile and belly laugh, he was so full of life and had so much to live for.”
Kabera’s household went on to say that he was “devoted” father to his three sons, Garry Sean, Terry, and Zack, who had been “his world.”
“He loved them deeply, spending as much time as possible with them, taking them everywhere, and being actively involved in their lives,” they stated.
“Known for his warm heart and kindness, he was a true family man, a friend to many, and a deeply caring individual who left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His faith guided him, and his commitment to those around him was unwavering.”
The person’s household stated that Kabera, who spoke a number of languages, had come to Canada 20 years in the past and labored “tirelessly” to help his household. Most not too long ago, he was employed as a useful resource officer at Canada Income Company, they stated.
Kabera very concerned in Rwandan group
Often known as Gentil, Kabera was very concerned within the Rwandan group, serving because the vice-president of the Rwandan Group Overseas (RCA) in Toronto and as an advisor for the Rwandan Canadian Therapeutic Centre.
“He contributed to countless projects aimed at empowering, educating, and uplifting the community he cherished,” they stated.
Alphonse Barikage, RCA Toronto’s president, confirmed that Kabera held a management position with the group from 2018 to 2022, including that he’ll be “fondly remembered for his exemplary sense of service and community, always first to respond when someone in the community needed support.”
“The community is hurting and devastated. We were shocked to hear that he died,” Barikage stated.
“Hearing that he died in a shoot out with police has made the community question the first version of the story presented by the authorities. That is so out of character for this gentle soul that the community is asking for full transparency and accountability.”
Hamiton Police Service (HPS) posted concerning the scenario involving Kabera on social media on Nov. 9.
Late Monday afternoon, Jackie Penman, the drive’s supervisor of company communications and public affairs, clarified to CP24 {that a} resident of the constructing referred to as the police after a male confirmed up at their door with what they believed to be a handgun of their possession.
Penman famous that this case is now within the arms of the province’s Particular Investigations Unit (SIU), which investigates when police are concerned in an incident that ends in loss of life, severe damage, sexual assault, and/or the discharge of a firearm at an individual, and they don’t seem to be commenting additional on it.
On Saturday night, the SIU invoked its mandate and issued a information launch, which indicated that shortly earlier than 5 p.m. a resident of an condo constructing at 1964 Predominant St. W., simply south of Osler St., contacted police to report a male “acting in a threatening manner.”
“Hamilton Police Service officers made their way to the 5th floor of the building. At some point, they became involved in an interaction with a man. There was an exchange of gunfire, resulting in both the man and an officer suffering gunshot wounds,” the civilian company stated.
The next day, on Nov. 10, the SIU introduced that the person had died in hospital at 12:47 a.m. after being shot by two officers.
Kabara did “not appear” to have fired gun throughout incident, says SIU
It additionally famous in that launch that after additional investigation, Kabera, whom it referred to as an individual of curiosity, did “not appear” to have fired a gun through the incident.
The SIU additionally stated that the officer who was damage through the interplay with the person has been launched from the hospital.
“We are devastated by the circumstances of Erixon’s death- … Even more heartbreaking to us is the police’s portrayal of these tragic events that took the life of our own family member,” stated Kabera’s household, who additionally confirmed that the taking pictures occurred inside his house, “a place where he had been spending the day resting.”
“We, his family and close friends, found this explanation deeply troubling. Erixon was not known to possess a gun, nor did he have a history of condoning or engaging in any type of violence. He was a peaceful man who valued harmony and community, making this claim profoundly difficult to reconcile with the person we knew and loved.”
They referred to as this “reversal of crucial facts,” which occurred greater than 24 hours after the SIU’s preliminary launch, “deeply outrageous and unnerving.”
“As we grieve this senseless loss, we respectfully ask for transparency and accountability from the authorities. Whether it’s police bodycam footage, surveillance videos from the building or any other pieces of evidence, we want to know details of the altercation so that we can understand the truth of what happened in Erixon’s final moments,” they stated.
“Our household deserves solutions, readability and peace, and we stand agency in our perception that Erixon was not armed, nor would he act in a manner that might justify this consequence.
“Erixon Kabera was a remarkable man whose life was dedicated to love, service, and compassion. We miss him deeply, and we seek only the truth to honor his memory.”
Late Monday afternoon, SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon informed CP24.com that it receives quite a lot of data in the midst of its investigation.
“Based on the information that the SIU initially had, a news release was issued with preliminary details,” she stated.
“As the investigation proceeded and as further information came to light, we made it a priority to transparently release that updated information as quickly as possible via email, social media and our website.”
Hudon famous that in all circumstances the place somebody has died, the SIU has an affected individuals coordinator working with the household.
“We continue to ask anyone with any information regarding this case to reach out to us,” she added.
Hudon additionally informed CP24.com that SIU investigators collected a reproduction firearm from the scene. The firearms from the 2 topic officers had been additionally collected, she stated.
An post-mortem was scheduled for this morning in Toronto to find out Kabera’s precise reason for loss of life. The outcomes of that autopsy examination have but to be launched.
The SIU has assigned six investigators and two forensic investigators to the case. Two topic officers and two witness officers have additionally been designated to this investigation.
Anybody with additional data, together with video or photographs, is requested to contact the SIU’s lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or on-line.
