Slain RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang acted appropriately, B.C.’s police watchdog concludes

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. has cleared Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn (Tzu-Hsin) Yang of any wrongdoing when she fired her weapon.

After all available evidence were reviewed, including independent witness statements and video footage, the IIO determined that “there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer has committed an offence.”

As a result, the matter will not be referred to Crown Counsel for consideration of charges, the release said.

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Yang was fatally stabbed on Oct. 18 at about 10:30 a.m. while accompanying a Burnaby parks worker to deal with reports of a man living in a tent in Broadview Park.

As Yang and the parks worker approached the tent, an altercation took place in which the man was shot by Yang, and Yang was stabbed.

The 37-year-old man, who has been identified as Jongwon Ham, has been charged with first-degree murder in relation to her death.

The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in B.C. tasked to investigate officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death.

Yang’s death shook Canada, prompting a string of tributes and an outpouring of support for her family throughout the country.

The slain Mountie was laid to rest in Richmond on Nov. 2, and her funeral was attended by thousands of RCMP police officers.