An Innisfil family is seeking retribution in the form of $17.5 million after an interaction with South Simcoe Police resulted in the death of their son. The statement of claim filed cites wrongful conduct of the officers and that negligence – individually or collectively – caused the death of 19-year-old Liam Hatton, and wounded his twin brother Dylan. On Aug. 15, 2024 South Simcoe Police were called to the Hatton’s Shoreview Drive home. During an altercation, officers fatally shot 19-year-old Liam. His twin brother Dylan was shot five times, but survived. Provincial police later filed charges against Dylan for assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and four counts of assaulting a police officer, but those charges were later dropped by the Crown. A prepared statement released by the parents of the Liam and Dylan, Bill Hatton and Robin Jackson reads in part: “our family has been forever shattered. “We never imagined that calling the police for help would end with them killing Liam and almost killing Dylan.” “They treated the situation like a tactical operation rather than a call for assistance,” the parents said. CTV News reached out to South Simcoe Police for comment on the matter. “The South Simcoe Police Service is aware that a civil claim has been filed,” the police service said in a statement to CTV News. “As the matter is subject to a legal process and out of respect for the integrity of the judicial process, the service is unable to comment or provide further information at this time,” police said. “The civil process presents an opportunity for the family to ensure that police conduct will be put under closer scrutiny,” said Asha James, the family’s lawyer. “The OPP’s conduct is also concerning,” James added. “The decision to lay charges against Dylan, despite him only ever being a victim in this tragedy, raises troubling questions about the handling of this matter and may further undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies,” said James. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) cleared South Simcoe police of criminal wrongdoing in the arrest and fatal shooting. The SIU concluded in December of 2024 that the actions of police were legally justified. According to the SIU, the twin brothers were in an SUV on the driveway and refused to come out. When the vehicle moved towards an officer, he fired shots, hitting Liam in the head. The police watchdog determined the officer used reasonable force. CTV News has reached out to OPP for comment. With files from CTV’s Mike Arsalides.
