Assault of Dafonte Miller

Assault of Dafonte Miller
DateDecember 28, 2016
Time2:30–3:30 a.m.
LocationWhitby, Ontario, Canada
ParticipantsDafonte Miller, Christian Theriault, Michael Theriault
Outcome
  • Charges dropped against Dafonte Miller
  • Christian Theriault found not guilty
  • Michael Theriault convicted of assault
Non-fatal injuriesDafonte Miller blinded in one eye
SentenceNine months in prison, 12 months' probation, and five-year weapons prohibition for Michael Theriault

Dafonte Miller is a 19 year old man who was assaulted on December 28, 2016 in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, a city located approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Toronto, by Michael Theriault, an off-duty constable of the Toronto Police Service. Michael's brother Christian participated in the assault. Miller is black; the Theriaults are white. On June 26, 2020, Michael Theriault was convicted of assault in connection with the incident. On November 5, 2020, Theriault was sentenced to nine months in prison with 12 months probation following, along with a five-year weapons prohibition. The case received significant media attention in Canada.