Coroner says teen's death in DDO park was likely accidental, not suicide as police concluded
Emmanuel Diafouka's family is demanding the SPVM reopen its investigation after a Quebec coroner found insufficient evidence of intent to take his own life.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A Quebec coroner has contradicted the SPVM's suicide conclusion in the death of Emmanuel Diafouka, an 18-year-old found with a bullet wound to the forehead in Trottier Park, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, on January 30, 2025.
Coroner Andrée Kronström released the report last week, concluding that while DNA and other evidence showed Diafouka handled the firearm, the available evidence does not support suicide. "All the evidence gathered during the investigation is consistent with accidental discharge of the firearm in question," Kronström wrote. "The available evidence does not allow for the conclusion that there was a clear intention to take his own life. In the absence of objective and conclusive evidence establishing suicidal intent, the hypothesis of suicide is not accepted."
The SPVM initially classified the death as suspicious before concluding it was suicide — a ruling Diafouka's family and girlfriend strongly disputed from the start. His mother said her son loved life and showed no signs of depression. The community rallied around the family, citing numerous inconsistencies in the case.
In response to the coroner's findings, Diafouka's father, Jean-François Diafouka, issued a statement: "This conclusion by the coroner stands in direct opposition to the overly hasty — and arguably irresponsible — conclusion reached by the SPVM investigators, which plunged us into a long period of turmoil, endless questioning, and guilt." The family is now demanding the SPVM reopen its investigation.
What does the SPVM say in response to the coroner's findings?
Will police reopen the investigation into how Diafouka came into contact with the firearm?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When and where was Emmanuel Diafouka found?
Emmanuel Diafouka, 18, was found with a bullet wound to the forehead in Trottier Park, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, on January 30, 2025.
What did the coroner conclude about Diafouka's death?
Coroner Andrée Kronström concluded the death was likely accidental, finding that while evidence showed Diafouka handled the firearm, the available evidence does not support suicide and is consistent with accidental discharge.
What is the family demanding now?
Diafouka's family is demanding the SPVM reopen its investigation into his death, citing the coroner's findings that contradict the police's suicide conclusion.
