Manitoba’s police oversight body has concluded its investigation into the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Norway House Cree Nation without recommending charges against the officer involved. Elgyn Muskego was shot by an RCMP officer in response to a call reporting a youth under the influence of drugs and wielding a knife on November 22, 2024, in Norway House, located approximately 460 kilometers north of Winnipeg.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered Muskego holding a knife in the driveway. Despite commands to drop the weapon, the teenager continued advancing towards them. Subsequently, one officer fired two shots, leading to Muskego’s death despite life-saving efforts by the police and paramedics.
The investigation conducted by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba involved interviews with three witness officers, three civilian witnesses, and a thorough review of various evidence, including officer statements, audio recordings, video footage, medical reports, and 911 calls. The autopsy revealed that Muskego succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, with traces of cannabis and a high dose of acetaminophen found in his system.
The officer who discharged the firearm provided a statement to investigators, explaining that upon arrival at the scene, Muskego was observed holding a knife and advancing towards the officers. The officer perceived an imminent threat and fired when Muskego rapidly approached within a short distance.
According to witness testimonies and surveillance footage, the entire incident unfolded within a brief span of about 10 seconds, during which officers perceived a fast-paced escalation of events leading to the fatal shooting. The investigation concluded that the officer’s actions were deemed reasonable given the circumstances, resulting in the closure of the case by the oversight body.
The report emphasized that the decision not to press charges was based on a thorough examination of all available evidence, with the oversight body asserting the officer’s actions as justifiable in the face of the tragic circumstances.