Man charged with first-degree murder of officer found guilty of manslaughter
Posted April 28, 2011 6:26 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A 23-year-old man has been found guilty of manslaughter in the 2007 death of Detective Constable Robert Plunkett.
Nadeem Jiwa was initially facing one charge of first-degree murder. The manslaughter verdict was one of four options for the jury, including not guilty, guilty of first degree murder, or guilty of second degree murder.
“It’s been a very emotional trial for everyone involved,” said defence attorney, Lawrence Cohen. “While we are not happy with the verdict necessarily, we are relieved that it wasn’t a murder conviction.”
Plunkett, 42, died after his aorta was severed when he was pinned against a tree by a stolen car in south Markham. He left behind three children and his wife, Sonja.
Jiwa was 19 when he was arrested on August 2, 2007.
Police say he was part of a crew who were stealing airbags from cars in Markham and Toronto neighbourhoods.
Plunkett was part of a surveillance team tracking suspects in the case.
“He gave to his community, he was an exceptional police officer,” said York Regional Police Superintendent Bill Faulkner outside the courthouse Thursday. “He was just an all-around great person and a dedicated father.”
Another man was charged in relation to Plunkett’s death — Baseer Mohammed Yousaf-Zai, pleaded guilty to airbag theft in October 2007. He was sentenced to eight months in jail.
Members of Plunkett’s family were visibly upset in the Newmarket courthouse when the manslaughter conviction was read. Sentencing details are pending.
