'Significant value' in public inquiry, says RNC cop who shot Don Dunphy

A Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer under scrutiny after the Easter Sunday shooting of Don Dunphy spoke for the first time Wednesday, and says he welcomes a public inquiry.

Const. Joe Smyth, 38,revealed his identity to CBC News, and issued a statement saying "there is significant value in the public inquiry process."

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In an email, Smythreferenced the promise by new Justice Minister Andrew Parsons that an inquiry will be held following the conclusion of apolice investigation.

"I welcome the procedure and will,of course, fully participate and contribute in any way I can," Smythsaid.

"Such a process can only shed light on a tragic and difficult situation."

Smyth, a 15-year veteran of the RNC, is now assigned to itscriminal intelligence unit.

From 2011 to2015, he was a member of the protective services unit, assigned to provide security for then premierPaul Davis.

Investigating tweets

In April, Smythwent to Don Dunphy's home in Mitchells Brook to investigatetweets made byDunphy about the formerpremier and other politicians.

Gunshots were fired inside the house, and Dunphy was killed.

The RCMP said in April that Dunphy pointed a loaded gun at Smythand that's why the officer fired his own weapon.

A .22-calibrerifle was found on the floor ofDunphy'shome. During a forensic investigation, it was determined the gun was loaded.

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Dunphy's daughter, Megan,has fought for a public inquiry.

Her lawyer,Erin Breen,has criticized "the vacuum of information" surrounding the shooting, and suggested more would be known ifthe officer [Smyth]had worn a body camera.

Report expected in January

The RCMP is handling the criminal investigation into the incident, and said Wednesday it expects to submit a final report by the end of January.

The report will then be given to an outside investigative service for an independent review.

The RNC, meanwhile, has asked the Saskatoon Police Service to handle its internalreview.

"The RNC will cooperate fully in a public inquiry into the death of Mr. Dunphy,"said RNCChief WilliamJanesin a statement to the CBC Tuesday.

"An inquiry will shed light on the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of life."

While Smyth has not been identified publicly until now, he did send a 900-word email to RNC colleagues about a week after the shooting.

"Although I cannot regret my actions last Sunday, I unequivocally wish I could have visited Mr.Dunphyat a point in his life where another level of intervention may have been possible," he wrote.

After thanking colleagues and family, he then said, "Our lives can change or end in the blink of an eye. Please seize any opportunity to help those who need it."