A Toronto police officer accused of stealing items from deceased individuals was cross-examined in court on Wednesday.
Constable Kyle Upjohn, who has been with the Toronto Police Service for 10 years, is facing multiple charges including theft, possession of stolen property, and breach of trust.
During the cross-examination, Upjohn was questioned about his actions on the night of October 7, 2018, when he responded to a call about a deceased person in an apartment building.
The Crown prosecutor presented evidence that Upjohn had taken a wallet, cash, and a watch from the deceased individual’s room. Upjohn admitted to taking the items but claimed he did so in order to secure them as evidence.
However, the Crown argued that Upjohn had no reason to take the items as evidence since there was no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Upjohn also admitted to taking a bottle of perfume from another deceased individual’s room on a separate occasion. He claimed he did so as a “souvenir” and did not intend to keep it.
The Crown prosecutor questioned Upjohn’s credibility, pointing out that he had not reported the items he took from the deceased individuals in his police report.
Upjohn maintained that he did not intend to steal the items and that he had made a mistake by not reporting them.
The defence argued that Upjohn’s actions were not criminal and that he had acted in good faith.
The trial is ongoing and Upjohn’s fate will be determined by the judge. If found guilty, he could face disciplinary action from the Toronto Police Service and potentially lose his job.
This case has raised concerns about the integrity and trustworthiness of police officers, who are expected to uphold the law and protect the public.
The cross-examination of Constable Kyle Upjohn sheds light on the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement. It is crucial for officers to act with integrity and follow proper procedures, especially when dealing with sensitive situations such as the death of an individual.
The trial will continue as the court seeks to determine the truth behind Upjohn’s actions and uphold justice for the victims.
