Da Vinci’s Inquest - Season 2 Episode 9

Simon Sloan, wielding a knife, is fatally shot by Constable Lyle Rook in what looks to be on the surface an attempted robbery at a retail store. The Coroner's Office decides to take the case to inquest to determine if there was any police misconduct in the shooting. Flynn wants Da Vinci to take a particularly hard stance against the police department as the inquest is heavily populated by individuals representing the police. In the words of one police officer on the scene, Sloan wanted to die. Most testify that the police took adequate and appropriate measures under the circumstances, except for the fact that a police dog was on the scene and although Constable Rook asked for the dog to be released, the dog master didn't do so. The inquest also brings to light that Sloan had a history of mental and violent issues. Who Da Vinci really wants on the stand is a Louis Holly, who was a former roommate of Sloan's. Da Vinci wants Holly's testimony to shed some light on Sloan as a human being and not just an anonymous knife wielding man. Da Vinci does eventually speak to Holly who provides important information, but it is ultimately Constable Rook who provides the most important piece of information while on the stand. A letter written by Sloan to Holly received after the inquest conclusion corroborates the inquest findings.