ESTEVAN, Sask. — An inquest into the November 2023 shooting death of Justice Guillas of Estevan has concluded, and a six-person jury has released its recommendations.
The inquest was held Nov. 2 and 3 at the Western Star Hotel in Estevan. Several people provided testimony during the proceedings, answering questions from legal counsel, as well as Guillas' father, Richard, and jury members.
Guillas, who was 19 at the time, was arrested by the Estevan Police Service (EPS) on Nov. 1, 2023, in connection with the death of his 46-year-old mother, Karie. While at the police station, an altercation took place. Guillas gained control of an EPS officer's firearm and shot the officer. Guillas was then shot twice by another EPS officer.
EPS members provided lifesaving measures until Estevan Emergency Medical Services arrived and took over his care. Guillas was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital and then to Regina General Hospital, where he died during surgery at 3:50 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The injured officer has since returned to work.
The inquest jury released the following recommendations:
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Forensic identification officers entering a room with a detainee must wear a department-issued bulletproof vest or full patrol uniform.
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All on-duty members must wear Level 3 holsters for their firearms.
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When reasonable, all firearms must be placed in lock boxes before entering spaces with detainees.
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Develop and enact a crisis response protocol when two or more people are injured in police custody, which the jury said would ensure adequate and equitable care is provided to all parties involved.
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Have a worker from the Police and Crisis Team available at all times.
The provincial Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) previously found no grounds to lay criminal charges against the Estevan police officer who shot Guillas. The Oct. 9, 2025, public report concluded there were “no grounds to believe an offence was committed” by the subject officer involved, and no charges would be laid.
The EPS has previously said that Level 3 holsters, which are similar to those used by patrol members, must now be used by members in holding facilities.
