The fatal chain of events began with the killing of a young mother.

Ontario’s police watchdog has cleared an officer involved in the fatal shooting of a man accused of killing a Brampton woman and abducting a child, an incident that set off a series of tragic events.

Savannah Kulla, a 27-year-old mother of four, was shot and killed on October 20 in a plaza parking lot near Airport Road and Queen Street East. Peel Regional Police described the case as intimate partner violence, identifying the suspect as her former boyfriend, Anthony Deschepper.

Police said the two shared a child, and Deschepper had been out on bail at the time. He was awaiting trial for a previous incident involving a firearm that allegedly put Kulla at risk.

Amber Alert issued after child taken.

After the shooting, investigators secured the scene for hours before an Amber Alert was issued across Ontario for Kulla’s one-year-old daughter, who authorities believed had been taken by Deschepper.

According to investigators, the suspect was driving a rented 2024 black Nissan Kicks with Quebec licence plate FRV4520. The vehicle was linked to an address in the Niagara Region.

The child was later found unharmed after being dropped off at a relative’s residence, bringing the urgent search to an end.

Surveillance leads to confrontation in Niagara.

Meanwhile, Niagara Regional Police officers were stationed near the residence tied to the rental vehicle. In the early hours of October 21, a woman arrived at the home in a Chevrolet and later returned to her car carrying blankets.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) report states that Deschepper was concealed under those blankets in the back seat.

Police then followed the vehicle to two gas stations before receiving instructions to initiate a takedown.

Exchange of gunfire during takedown

During the takedown, officers surrounded the Chevrolet using firearms and breaching tools. At that moment, Deschepper emerged from beneath the blankets and fired three shots toward an officer, according to the SIU.

The officer responded by firing multiple rounds, striking the suspect in several areas, including the chest and neck.

Emergency aid was provided at the scene, but Deschepper died from his injuries. A semi-automatic firearm was recovered from his hand.

SIU rules are justified

In its findings, the SIU concluded the officer acted in self-defence, stating that the number of shots fired was justified given the threat posed.

“There is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges,” the agency said.

Ongoing questions and calls for reform

A woman connected to the incident was arrested, though details about potential charges remain unclear.

As a result of these events, Kulla’s death has sparked renewed debate around bail practices in Canada, particularly in cases involving prior violence. Critics argue that stronger measures may be needed to prevent repeat offences and protect those at risk.