Coroner’s Inquest Reveals Details of Ryan Nowlan’s Death in RCMP Shooting

Accident – Death – Obituary News : RCMP Officer Expresses Grief Over Fatal Shooting of Knife-Wielding Man

One of the RCMP officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man wielding a knife on New Year’s Eve in 2021 was overwhelmed with grief upon learning of the man’s death, according to a colleague. Hampton Constable Mike Alward revealed during a coroner’s inquest that he was the one who informed now-retired Constable Monique Sears about Ryan Nowlan’s demise.

“It was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do with a coworker, to tell her that unfortunately, Ryan was no longer with us,” Alward recounted. Nowlan, 39, was pronounced dead at the Saint John Regional Hospital shortly after 6 a.m. He had been Tasered and shot twice by the police, once in the right shoulder and once in the right abdomen.

An independent police watchdog agency conducted an investigation in May 2022 and determined that there were no grounds to lay charges against the two officers involved, identified as Sears and Constable Christian Cunningham. The investigation concluded that the force used by the officers was justified and not excessive.

According to Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team, Nowlan, who was not named at the time, had assaulted his ex-partner, threatened to burn down their home, and attacked the police while armed with a utility knife. The officers’ actions were deemed justified based on the report.

During the altercation with Nowlan at his home on Kiersteadville Road, Sears sustained injuries. Alward revealed that Sears had asked about Nowlan’s condition, prompting him to find the right words to convey the news. He described the moment when he told her as emotionally charged, with Sears breaking down instantly.

Fortunately, Sears’s husband was present to support her and provide consolation. Alward expressed relief that Sears had someone to take care of her during such a distressing time.

The inquest into Nowlan’s death, announced last Friday, commenced on Tuesday at the Saint John Law Courts building. Presiding coroner Michael Johnston and a jury composed of three men and two women are publicly hearing evidence from witnesses to establish the facts surrounding Nowlan’s death.

The jury will also have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future. Testimonies have been given by Nowlan’s ex-partner, three Mounties, and two paramedics. The inquest is scheduled to continue for four days, with proceedings ongoing on Wednesday..