Off-duty Toronto police officer Constable Calvin Au was sentenced to a suspended sentence and 12 months probation after being found guilty of assaulting 19-year-old Chadd Facey during a 2021 transaction arranged through Kijiji in Brampton. The encounter, which began over a disputed sale of a purportedly counterfeit Apple Watch, escalated into a physical confrontation resulting in Facey’s death later that day from an intracerebral hemorrhage. Though Au was acquitted of charges linking him directly to Facey’s fatal injury, the court ruled his use of force excessive and unjustified. Sentencing on June 18, 2025, also included a three-year weapons ban and a DNA submission order. Facey’s family has expressed profound disappointment with the verdict and continues to seek further accountability through additional legal proceedings.
Details of the Incident and Trial
The confrontation between Constable Calvin Au and Chadd Facey originated from a transaction arranged on Kijiji, a popular online marketplace, where Facey attempted to sell what was claimed to be an Apple Watch. The transaction deteriorated after disputes over the authenticity of the product led to rising tensions. The physical altercation that ensued was captured in part by surveillance footage and witness testimonies, forming a critical component of the prosecution’s case.
During the trial, evidence demonstrated that Au, though off-duty at the time, initiated and escalated physical contact which the court deemed unwarranted under the circumstances. The judge determined that Au’s actions amounted to assault and that the level of force used was disproportionate to the situation. Despite this, the court did not find sufficient proof to convict Au on charges directly related to Facey’s death, specifically the fatal intracerebral hemorrhage that occurred later that day.
Legal Outcome and Sentencing
On June 18, 2025, Calvin Au was sentenced to a suspended sentence with a probation period of 12 months, reflecting the court’s judgement of his culpability in the assault but absence of direct responsibility for the death. Additionally, the sentence included a prohibition on possessing weapons for three years and mandated submission of DNA samples, standard procedures in cases involving violent offenses.
Reactions and Further Actions
Facey’s family has publicly expressed deep disappointment and distress over the court’s verdict, especially concerning the acquittal of charges connected to the fatal injury. The family’s legal representatives have indicated plans to explore all available legal avenues to ensure further accountability. This includes the possibility of appealing the decision or pursuing civil actions to address their concerns regarding justice and closure.
Context and Broader Implications
The case has sparked discussions on social media and within community forums about the conduct of law enforcement officers, particularly when off duty, and the mechanisms for addressing alleged police misconduct. It highlights ongoing debates about transparency, accountability, and the standards of force applicable to police officers outside their official duties.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to thorough investigations and maintaining public trust, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal procedures while ensuring justice is served. This case remains under scrutiny as it continues to influence public discourse on policing and community relations in Toronto and beyond.
The sentencing of Constable Calvin Au marks a significant chapter in the legal proceedings stemming from the 2021 incident involving Chadd Facey. While the court acknowledged Au’s misuse of force and held him accountable for assault, the acquittal on charges related to Facey’s death has left unresolved questions about justice and responsibility. The response from Facey’s family underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding cases of police conduct, especially when off duty. As legal avenues continue to be explored, this case remains a focal point for broader discussions on law enforcement accountability, use of force standards, and public trust. Ongoing attention from authorities and the community highlights the enduring impact of the incident on policing policies and societal expectations in Toronto.