Shore jury prompts cop probe

Toronto's homicide squad is reviewing the case of 10-year-old Lisa Shore after a coroner's inquest jury ruled her death at the Hospital for Sick Children a homicide.

 The Thornhill girl died Oct. 22, 1998 during treatment for painful complications following a broken leg.

 Toronto Crown attorney Paul Culver stressed that a homicide ruling in an inquest is a far cry from criminal homicide, but said any type of wrongful death charge is still possible.

 "A senior homicide officer will review the information and will consult with our office," Culver said.

 An inquest homicide ruling is defined as the act of one person killing another. It does not assign guilt.

 The jury ruled that Lisa likely died by "complex drug interaction leading to cardiac and respiratory arrest."

 The Shore family and their lawyer welcomed news of a criminal review.

 "We're hoping the police will be able to use all of the information that's come to light from the inquest to help them do a thorough and far-reaching investigation," said Lisa's mom, Sharon.

 Hospital spokesman Helen Simeon said yesterday Sick Kids will cooperate fully with a police investigation.