Family demands reopening of investigation into teen’s gunshot death, disputes suicide ruling

The family of Emmanuel Dafouka is urging Montreal police to reopen the investigation into his death.

The family of 18-year-old Emmanuel Diafouka, who was found dead from a gunshot wound to the forehead in Dollard-Des Ormeaux in January, is calling on the Montreal police (SPVM) to reopen the investigation after it was ruled a suicide.

On Jan. 30, Diafouka’s body was found in Parc Trottier near the corner of Trinity and Chauret streets by a passerby who alerted the SPVM around 8 a.m.

During a press conference held at the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) in Montreal on Wednesday, his family rejected the ruling and said the police closed the investigation too quickly and without “speaking to a number of relevant witnesses nor taking into account the circumstances and a number of pieces of evidence that could have led to a different conclusion.”

According to the family, SPVM investigators believe that Diafouka committed suicide following an argument with his ex-girlfriend.

The family also said that police claimed a surveillance camera on the outskirts of the park showed Diafouka entering alone. Additionally, an audio recording captured a gunshot, and no one else was seen in the park at the time.

“There are too many important unresolved questions and circumstances that have not been clarified by the SPVM. Why such an incomplete and hasty investigation? They owe us answers,” said Diafouka’s father, Jean-François.

They also question how Diafouka could have obtained a gun and shot himself in the forehead, given that he was left-handed. Moreover, they said he never exhibited any signs of depression.

The family also wants to know how investigators determined that Diafouka died at 8:33 p.m., when his parents claim he made a call from his phone at 8:32 p.m. via the Snapchat app. The phone was found at his home, and the park, where his remains were discovered, is a 10-minute walk from his house.

“I knew my son very well, and until the evening before he died, there was nothing to suggest that he had committed suicide,” said Chimene Moumpala, Diafouka’s mother. “It’s unthinkable and impossible that he should have shot himself in the forehead.”

“He spent more and more time talking about his plans in the Congo and in France, and about his plans with his girlfriend. My family has good reason to believe that Emmanuel was murdered.”

In a statement, the SPVM said that the evidence gathered confirms that Diafouka’s death was not a criminal.

“For reasons of confidentiality, the SPVM cannot provide any further details. The team of investigators remains in contact with the family,” the SPVM said.

An investigation into the death by the Quebec coroner is underway.

With files from Matt Grillo.