In a significant legal development, Umar Zameer has been found not guilty of all charges, including first-degree murder, in the 2021 death of Toronto Police Officer Det.-Const. Jeffrey Northrup. The verdict was delivered after four days of jury deliberation in a trial that has captured widespread attention.
On July 2, 2021, Det.-Const. Northrup was fatally run over by a vehicle driven by Zameer in an underground parking garage beneath Toronto City Hall. At the time, Northrup and his partner, who were both in plain clothes, were responding to a reported stabbing incident.
The acquittal signifies that the prosecution was unable to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Zameer had the intention to kill, a necessary component for a conviction of either first-degree or second-degree murder.
Outside the courthouse, an emotional Zameer expressed remorse over the incident, stating, “I never meant any of this to happen. I am sorry for what has happened.” He also reflected on his family’s decision to immigrate to Canada, thanking the country for ensuring justice was served in his case.
Nader Hasan, Zameer’s defense attorney, emphasized that the day was not one of celebration but one of relief, as it demonstrated the judicial system’s effectiveness. “This was an unfortunate, terrible situation that happened,” Hasan said. “And as a result, an unfortunate and tragic death ensued, but it was not intentional. It was not a criminal act. It was an accident.”
The verdict has drawn mixed reactions, with Margaret Northrup, the widow of Det.-Const. Northrup, expressing her disappointment and her desire for accountability. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Jon Reid, president of the Toronto Police Association, also shared their sentiments, highlighting the trial’s emotional toll on the police community and their continued support for the Northrup family.
Hasan suggested that the case could serve as a teachable moment for police and Canadians, particularly regarding the expectations and conduct of officers, especially those in plain clothes.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy, addressing Zameer post-verdict, acknowledged the difficulties he faced over the past three years and declared him free.
The city of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service respect the judicial process and appreciate the difficult task undertaken by the jury in this complex and emotionally charged case.