Family concerned following apparent leak of information in Korchinski-Paquet investigation

After an apparent leak of information to a local newspaper, Regis Korchinski-Paquet’s family says they will not speak to the SIU this week. Melissa Nakhavoly reports.

By News Staff

The family of Regis Korchinski-Paquet has expressed concerns about potential leaks of information as the Special Investigations Unit looks into her death.

The 29-year-old fell from a balcony a week ago today while police were inside the apartment.

The SIU says a scheduled interview with the family of the victim for Wednesday was postponed after a lawyer for the family expressed concern that details of what may have occurred inside the apartment at the time of the incident have now been leaked to the media by “unnamed police sources.”

The Toronto Sun published a story Wednesday which contained details about what may have occurred inside the apartment which had previously been unreported. They claim, through a source, that Korchinski-Paquet barricaded herself on the balcony and ultimately fell while trying to jump to a neighbouring balcony.

“It is imperative that the public have confidence in the SIU’s investigations,” the police watchdog said in a statement. “Accordingly, the SIU director has today written to the Toronto Police Service to ask that it takes immediate steps to prevent further releases of information about what occurred inside the apartment.”

The SIU points out that since 1999, police services and their members are prohibited from disclosing information about an incident that is under investigation.

A spokeswoman for Toronto police said the force does not comment on the validity of information from unnamed sources.

“We can say that the unauthorized release of information is taken seriously by the TPS and the matter is being investigated by Professional Standards,” Meaghan Gray said.

Family members allege police played a role in her death, however, these allegations have not been substantiated.

The SIU goes on to say that it is working diligently to ensure investigation is concluded “as expeditiously as possible” but reiterates that leaks of this nature will only delay their process and cast further doubt on the integrity of its investigation.

The SIU says it interviewed two more civilian witnesses on Tuesday. Four other witnesses have already been interviewed and they are canvassing the area for any additional witnesses.

The six police officers designated as witnesses in the investigation have already been interviewed.

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