The lawyer for a police officer who fatally shot a Native teen earlier this week criticized Native leaders for making race an issue in the case.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, officer is Metis, said the lawyer. "The fixation is not on the person's colour or creed," the lawyer told The Winnipeg Sun. "It's on the real threat being advanced."

The officer reportedly shot twice at Matthew Dumas, whom police said was a suspect in a robbery and was armed with a weapon. But one witness said police had the wrong person.

Dumas later died at a hospital. Native leaders say the incident is another example of police brutality against Natives and want a full investigation. The Native community held a vigil in Winnipeg on Wednesday night to remember Dumas and Dennis St. Paul, 28, a second Native man killed by a police officer this year.

Get the Story:
Shooter Metis, lawyer notes (The Winnipeg Sun 2/3)
Officer who shot aboriginal teen was Metis himself (Broadcast News 2/3)
Did case of mistaken identity lead to fatal spiral? (The Winnipeg Sun 2/3)
Race not a factor in shooting: officer's lawyer (CBC 2/3)
Vigil honours shooting victims (CBC 2/3)

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Native teen shot and killed by police officer (2/3)