The Ontario regional supervising coroner has officially called for a mandatory inquest into the death of Evan Freeman, a 22-year-old man who died during a violent encounter with police in Kingston in September 2019. Evan Freeman's death occurred after he was involved in a stabbing spree that resulted in the death of 40-year-old Christopher Barry and injuries to an 82-year-old man, following which police intervened. Reports suggest that upon confronting Freeman, officers shot him before he turned the knife on himself, leading to critical questions about the police response during the incident.

This inquest aims to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding Freeman's death, taking into consideration the series of violent events leading up to it. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit had previously evaluated the engagement of police officers, suggesting that their use of force may have contributed significantly to the tragic outcome. The public interest in this case is heightened by the broader concerns regarding police interactions and the protocols followed during violent encounters, especially those involving individuals in distress.

With the ongoing scrutiny of police practices in various contexts, this inquest will not only seek answers in Freeman's tragic case but also potentially influence future police conduct and legislative changes in Ontario. The outcomes of the inquiry could have significant implications for public trust in law enforcement and the measures taken to protect both citizens and officers in precarious situations.