RCMP receives report on Don Dunphy shooting

Province ‘commited’ to holding public inquiry, minister says

The RCMP has received the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team’s (ASIRT) report on the RCMP investigation into the shooting death of Don Dunphy.

Dunphy was fatally shot in his Mitchell’s Brook home by RNC officer Joe Smyth.

Smyth was reportedly following up on a perceived threat against then-premier Paul Davis, and another cabinet minister, posted by Dunphy on Twitter.

According to the initial investigation, Dunphy and Smyth spoke for approximately 15 minutes. Dunphy reportedly pointed a rifle at Smyth. Smyth then shot and killed Dunphy.

The RCMP wrapped up its investigation into the death in January. Shortly afterwards the provincial government announced ASIRT would conduct an independent review into the RCMP investigation of the case

In acknowledging receipt of the ASIRT report Wednesday, the RCMP would say only that the force is reviewing it. It did not release any further information on the contents of the ASIRT report or on any recommendations it may contain.

A release from Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General late Tuesday stated, “The ASIRT review is independent of both the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Attorney General’s office which has no influence or control over its contents or its public release. The department has not been provided a copy of the report as it would be inappropriate to do so.”

Parson’s release went on to say that maintaining the independence of the enforcement agency from direct political control is fundamental to the system of law enforcement.

“I remain committed to holding a public inquiry into this matter, which will be informed by the RCMP investigation and the ASIRT review. I expect to determine appropriate timing to conduct the inquiry in the weeks ahead,” the release stated.