Campaign raises more than $100K for Miller

Donors send messages of support to Black man beaten by Toronto cop

Some 2,500 people pledged more than $100,000 — mostly in gifts of under $50 — to a GoFundMe campaign to help Dafonte Miller pay for medical treatments not covered by OHIP or private insurance.

Miller, who is Black, lost his left eye after a brutal, sustained beating from a white off-duty Toronto police officer and his brother.

“My prayers go out to you and your family,” a $400 donor posted. “I hope Dafonte is doing better today.”

The original goal of $90,000 was easily surpassed, reaching $103,876 by late Saturday.

That came a day after Ontario Superior Court Justice Joseph Di Luca found Const. Michael Theriault guilty of assaulting Miller with his fists and a metal pole. Theriault’s younger brother, Christian Theriault, also participated in what the judge called a “one-sided” and “horrific” beating of Miller, who was then19 and struggled to call 911 for help.

Michael Theriault was also found not guilty of attempting to obstruct justice and aggravated assault, while Christian Theriault was acquitted on charges of assault and attempting to obstruct justice. Comments posted on the GoFundMe page showed that many of the donors were also among the 20,000 YouTube viewers who watched Di Luca deliver his verdict in a special online arrangement due to COVID-19 court restrictions.

The beating on a residential Whitby street occurred after Const. Theriault chased down Miller in the winter of 2016 for allegedly stealing change from his parents’ truck.

The case was racially charged and that was reflected by many of the comments on the GoFundMe page, including “Black Lives Matter! Dafonte MATTERS.”

Others showed support specifically for Miller and his family: “Hope you can rest while the rest of us pick up the fight.”

“Our thoughts are with you and your mom, Dafonte.”

“We are all connected to each other and what affects one affects all. I will keep you and your family in my meditations.”

Many donors wrote that they considered the beating, and verdict, evidence of systemic anti-Black racism, including: “I hope the appeal of this matter goes a long way toward justice reform. Good luck!”

Others said they were tired of feeling helpless.

Wrote Lee C., who pledged $50: “Glad to be able to do something concrete to help beyond sharing Facebook posts. Justice for Dafonte.”