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Family of teen killed by Montreal police not ready to call for public inquiry

Canadian Press Article online since August 14th 2008, 23:00
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Family of teen killed by Montreal police not ready to call for public inquiry
The family of Fredy Villanueva, father Gilberto, mother Lilian and sister Patricia Villanueva, speak at a news conference Friday Aug. 15, 2008, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Peter McCabe
MONTREAL - The sister of Fredy Villanueva, the 18-year-old man slain by Montreal police, says the family has been "destroyed" by his shooting death and wonders if it was absolutely necessary.
"Why did they take away a part of us? - that's what we want to know,"Patricia Villanueva, 27, told a news conference Friday with her grieving parents at her side.
"He was a small boy who was barely starting his life. I'd rather it was me in his place because I have already lived longer."
The family met reporters just blocks away from where last weekend's shooting and subsequent rioting and looting occurred.
"He was the smallest (in the family of three sisters and two brothers) but he helped us all."
Villanueva said her youngest brother recently had been helping out a lot around her home in nearby Laval since she had become pregnant.
She also said the family wants the investigation by Quebec provincial police to be impartial and efficient.
"We don't want it to take centuries to get a response about the cause of brother's death, which to us as a family appears clear," Villanueva told reporters.
Some reports have suggested the male police officer opened fire after a female colleague was being roughed up by a group of youths in a neighbourhood park.
A Quebec coroner has said Villanueva died after being shot three times and losing a lot of blood.
His sister also complained the two officers involved in the shooting have not yet given their version of what happened.
For now, the family is taking a wait-and-see attitude amid several calls from community groups for a public inquiry.
"What I can say for the moment is, if it's necessary, we will ask for it," Villanueva said.
"But a public inquiry could give us more confidence."
She appealed to the multi-ethnic community in the city's north end to remain calm.
"We don't want any violence. Because of that (violence), my brother is dead."
The shooting stoked tensions in the area, with rioters rampaging through the community on Sunday, looting shops and torching cars.
During a visit to the north-end neighbourhood Friday, Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay defended the city's police force.
"I have full confidence in them, I think they're professional, they're competent, they have the experience and I think that they will continue to do what they have been doing for decades," he said.
"I think that the security of the population is important and the police force has an important role to play to maintain that."
There's been an increased police presence in the area since the beginning of the week.
Tremblay also said the results of the provincial police inquiry will be made public.
"It's true that, in the past, if there's no criminal offence, then the recommendations are not public," he said.
"But as a result of discussions I've had, (Quebec) Public Security Minister Jacques Dupuis said very clearly the recommendations and conclusions will be made public."
The mayor admitted work still must be done to improve life in the rough, downtrodden neighbourhood where Villanueva was killed.
"I think if we really want to make a difference and improve the quality of life and ensure the security of citizens, we have to do a little bit more," he said.
Tremblay added he plans to talk to the federal and provincial governments "to see what can be done in certain districts of Montreal."
A radiothon will be held next Saturday to help raise funds to cover the costs of Villanueva's funeral and burial.
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