Family of man who died after Montreal police intervention calls for public coroner’s inquiry

The family of Abisay Cruz, a 29-year-old Montreal man who tragically died after a police intervention turned violent, is demanding justice and transparency. They are calling for a public coroner’s inquiry to shed light on the events that led to Cruz’s death.

According to Josué Cruz, the victim’s brother, Abisay was in crisis and needed help. However, instead of receiving the support and protection he needed, he was violently assaulted, handcuffed, and abused by four police officers. The family believes that his death is completely unjustifiable and unacceptable.

The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Quebec’s police watchdog, reported that Montreal police responded to a 911 call on March 30 regarding a person in crisis. Upon arrival, an altercation ensued between the officers and Cruz, resulting in him being restrained. Cruz later lost consciousness and passed away in the hospital.

Family members present at the scene argue that there is more to the story. They claim that paramedics were initially denied entry into the apartment and could only attend to Cruz once he was moved outside by the police. Additionally, they question whether Cruz’s race played a role in how he was treated during the intervention and its aftermath.

New video footage released by the family shows Cruz being restrained by officers on the back balcony of his apartment. He can be heard expressing distress and pleading for help, saying, “I’m going to die.” The family and community advocates are questioning why excessive force was used, especially when Cruz was visibly in a state of distress and in need of mental health support.

In response to Cruz’s death, a crowd of people marched towards the Saint-Michel police post to express their distrust of the Montreal police service. This incident marked the second death following a police operation within a 12-hour period, prompting the BEI to launch investigations into both cases.

Members of Cruz’s family, along with community organizers, are calling for calm and support. They are urging people not to engage in protests but to instead support their calls for a public coroner’s inquiry. The coroner’s office has confirmed that they are still investigating and have not ruled out the possibility of holding a public inquiry.

As the investigation into Abisay Cruz’s death continues, his family and supporters are determined to seek justice and accountability for the tragic loss of their loved one.