An aggressive, knife-wielding Edmonton man shot dead by police investigating a domestic complaint had threatened “suicide-by-cop,” a fatality inquiry heard today.
Tina Thomsen testified a “terrified” Leanne Lippa came to her door and said her estranged husband, Daniel Lippa, was threatening to kill her and himself.
“She told me ‘my husband has gone crazy’,” said Thomsen. “I’ve never seen anyone so scared in my life.”
Thomsen testified she immediately called 911 and tried to calm down her “very upset” neighbour, who was accompanied by her young son Julian.
“She said to me that he wants to end his life and that’s what he’s going to try and do tonight,” said Thomsen.
The city woman said Leanne’s exact words were: “He’s going to do suicide-by-cop. I just know he is.”
Thomsen said Leanne had also told her Lippa had called her and threatened to hurt her, her son and himself.
She said Leanne said: “I just know he’s going to hurt someone tonight.”
The inquiry heard Lippa, 29, was killed on the night of March 11, 2005, outside an apartment building near 148 Avenue and 26 Street after two officers fired seven bullets at him when he advanced towards them with a knife.
A coroner testified Lippa was hit twice; a fatal shot that penetrated his chest and a superficial one to the back.
City police homicide Det. Brian Robertson testified police were called to investigate a domestic dispute and said two officers encountered Lippa outside.
Robertson testified the officers ordered Lippa to drop the knife he was holding, but he refused and swore at them.
“He said ‘I’m not going to drop the knife. Go ahead and shoot me’,” said Robertson, citing police statements.
The homicide detective testified Lippa initially advanced towards a female officer who had her gun drawn, but then turned and “charged” towards a male officer who was up a hill about two metres away.
The inquiry heard the male cop fired seven shots and the female officer fired twice.
Later today, Lippa’s widow is slated to testify.
The inquiry is set for two weeks
