Death by Cop 2021-2025
Search fatalities
You can use any or all of the fields to refine the search.
Jacob Ryan Macduff
Age :26
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 01/06/2021
Location : Southwest Hall Boulevard and Southwest Bonita Road
City : Tigard
County : Washington
State : Oregon
Agency : Tigard Police Department
Officer(s) : Gabriel Maldonado
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 6, 2021, Tigard Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance at the Edgewood Manor Apartments near Southwest Hall Boulevard and Southwest Bonita Road. Upon arrival, they found 26-year-old Jacob Ryan Macduff experiencing a mental health crisis and locked inside his pickup truck. During the standoff, officers reported that Macduff was armed with a knife. Officers fired bean bag rounds to break the truck's windshield. Officer Gabriel Maldonado then fired multiple shots, killing Macduff.
Total Fatalities/Injuries: 1 fatality
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.opb.org/article/2023/02/22/jacob-macduff-shooting-report-tigard-gabriel-maldonado/
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/09/16/grand-jury-declines-to-indict-tigard-officer-who-killed-jacob-macduff/
https://tigardlife.com/featured/macduff-attorneys-release-45-page-report-on-tigard-police-shooting/
Vincent Belmonte
Age :18
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/05/2021
Location : 16005 Terrace Road
City : East Cleveland
County : Cuyahoga
State : Ohio
Agency : East Cleveland Police Department
Officer(s) : Not disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during vehicle pursuit
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 5, 2021, at approximately 10:22 a.m., East Cleveland police officers initiated a pursuit of a vehicle believed to be stolen, occupied by three individuals. The chase ended near 16005 Terrace Road when the vehicle collided with multiple objects and caught fire. The occupants exited the vehicle; the driver, identified as Vincent Belmonte, fled on foot. During the pursuit, officers allege that Belmonte produced a gun. Police opened fire and killed him. Belmonte's family disputes the police's account, asserting that he was unarmed and posed no threat. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/live-attorney-general-yost-gives-update-on-shooting-death-of-vincent-belmonte-by-police-officer
https://www.ideastream.org/community/2021-06-04/family-of-man-killed-by-east-cleveland-police-releases-body-cam-footage
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/family-of-man-shot-killed-by-east-cleveland-officer-meets-with-him-in-search-of-answers-healing
Michael Conlon
Age :28
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 01/05/2021
Location : 16 Lincoln Street
City : Newton Highlands
County : Middlesex
State : Massachusetts
Agency : Newton Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during response to armed individual
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 5, 2021, at approximately 1:43 p.m., Newton Police responded to a 911 call from the owner of "Indulge!", a candy store located at 16 Lincoln Street, reporting a man with a knife inside the store. The individual, identified as 28-year-old Michael Conlon, resided in an apartment above the store. Upon police arrival, Conlon fled to the third floor of the building. Officers attempted to negotiate with him and employed less-lethal methods, including a beanbag shotgun and a Taser, in efforts to subdue him. Despite these attempts, Conlon reportedly advanced towards officers with the knife. Two Newton Police officers opened fire, striking Conlon. He was transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/da-releases-report-on-deadly-2021-police-shooting-in-newton/2723488/
https://www.middlesexda.com/press-releases/news/investigation-fatal-officer-involved-shooting-newton-complete
https://patch.com/massachusetts/newton/family-sues-over-fatal-newton-police-shooting
James Palumbo
Age :56
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 01/03/2021
Location : County Road 101 and Station Road
City : Medford
County : Suffolk
State : New York
Agency : Suffolk County Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed during police pursuit
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 3, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Suffolk County Police officers were pursuing Malcolm Stewart, 29, who was allegedly driving a 2014 Mercedes-Benz in Medford, New York. Stewart ran a red light during the chase, causing his vehicle to collide with a 2021 Chevrolet driven by James Palumbo, 56, at the intersection of County Road 101 and Station Road. The crash resulted in Palumbo’s death.
.
The identities of the officers involved in the pursuit have not been disclosed by the Suffolk County Police Department.
Total Fatalities/Injuries:
1 Fatality (James Palumbo)
SOURCE LINKS :
https://patch.com/new-york/medford-ny/man-killed-suffolk-crash-after-driver-runs-red-light-police
https://patch.com/new-york/shirley-mastic/guilty-plea-crash-killed-yaphank-man-da
https://newjersey.news12.com/police-man-arrested-on-drugs-weapons-charges-after-fatal-medford-crash
https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/nassau/police-fire/long-island-man-facing-drug-weapons-charges-following-fatal-crash/800747/
https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2021/08/01/driver-pleads-guilty-for-death-of-james-palumbo/
Tre-Kedrian Tyquan White
Age :20
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/03/2021
Location : 4374 SC-9
City : Richburg
County : Chester
State : South Carolina
Agency : Chester County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during domestic disturbance call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 01/03/2021, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Chester County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence located at 4374 SC-9, Richburg, South Carolina. The call stated that Tre-Kedrian Tyquan White was outside the homewith a handgun and causing a disturbance. Police escalated a chase that lasted until White crashed his vehicle, and allegedly attempted to carjack a deputy in an unmarked car. The deputy shot and killed him.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/armed-dangerous-authorities-searching-man-accused-shooting-deputies-sc/Y4BJMJS7F5DYXK5JQRSBHZWIMQ/
https://www.fitsnews.com/2021/01/04/suspect-found-dead-after-he-shot-at-sc-police-led-officers-on-chas-identified/?utm_
Sonny Bower
Age :85
Gender :Unknown
Race : White
Date : 01/03/2021
Location : N Hwy 17 and Beehive Road
City : Awendaw
County : Charleston
State : South Carolina
Agency : Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Alan Kendall
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed by police vehicle crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 01/03/2021, a deputy from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office was responding to a disturbance call. The deputy's patrol vehicle reached speeds of 130 miles per hour while en route to the scene. During the high-speed response, the deputy collided with a non-police vehicle driven by Sandra Eisner, 77, and Sonny Bower, 85, at the intersection of Beehive Road and Highway 17. Both occupants of the non-police vehicle were killed in the crash.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 2 fatalities
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/charleston-county-news/deputies-investigate-accident-involving-deputy-in-charleston-county/?utm_
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/charleston-county-sheriffs-office-settles-suit-over-deputy-crash-that-killed-two-older-adults-charleston-county-wciv-abc-news-4?utm_
Sandra Eisner
Age :77
Gender :Female
Race : White
Date : 01/03/2021
Location : N Hwy 17 and Beehive Road
City : Awendaw
County : Charleston
State : South Carolina
Agency : Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Alan Kendall
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed by police vehicle crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 01/03/2021, a deputy from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office was responding to a disturbance call. The deputy's patrol vehicle reached speeds of 130 miles per hour while en route to the scene. During the high-speed response, the deputy collided with a non-police vehicle driven by Sandra Eisner, 77, and Sonny Bower, 85, at the intersection of Beehive Road and Highway 17. Both occupants of the non-police vehicle were killed in the crash.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 2 fatalities
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/charleston-county-news/deputies-investigate-accident-involving-deputy-in-charleston-county/?utm_
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/charleston-county-sheriffs-office-settles-suit-over-deputy-crash-that-killed-two-older-adults-charleston-county-wciv-abc-news-4?utm_
Henry Martinez Jr.
Age :49
Gender :Male
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 01/03/2021
Location : 580 SE 13th Street
City : Ontario
County : Malheur
State : Oregon
Agency : Ontario Police Department, Malheur County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during armed domestic disturbance
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Police responded to a call at 12:20 p.m. regarding Henry Martinez Jr. allegedly holding a woman, Carlen Mercado, against her will. Martinez was reported to have a knife and was threatening to kill Mercado. Officers and deputies arrived at the trailer home and engaged in hours of unsuccessful negotiations with Martinez. Attempts to force him out of the building using flashbangs and gas were unsuccessful. Martinez allegedly pointed a knife toward police, and they opened fire, killing him. Mercado was found deceased inside, having apparently been dead for some time.
The incident is under investigation by the Oregon State Police, with findings to be reviewed by the Malheur County District Attorney's Office.
SOURCE LINKS :
Daniel Alvarado Jr.
Age :38
Gender :Male
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 01/02/2021
Location : San Gabriel Boulevard and Dewey Avenue
City : San Gabriel
County : Los Angeles
State : California
Agency : San Gabriel Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Police alleged that the driver, identified as 38-year-old Daniel Alvarado Jr., produced a gun. At least one officer opened fire and killed Alvarado. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation. The identities of the officers involved have not been disclosed. The San Gabriel Police Department has not confirmed whether body cameras were used.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/man-fatally-shot-san-gabriel-cops-traffic-stop-identified
• https://ktla.com/news/local-news/san-gabriel-police-fatally-shoot-man-believed-to-be-armed-during-traffic-stop/
• https://abc7.com/san-gabriel-ois-officer-involved-shooting/9327639/
Name Not Disclosed
Age :
Gender :Male
Race : Unknown
Date : 01/02/2021
Location : Northwest 42nd Street and Independence Avenue
City : Oklahoma City
County : Oklahoma
State : Oklahoma
Agency : Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD)
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Suicide under police duress
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 2, 2021, at approximately 11:40 p.m., the Oklahoma City Police Department initiated a pursuit of a stolen vehicle connected to a domestic-related incident. The male driver led officers on a chase that ended when he crashed the vehicle near Northwest 42nd Street and Independence Avenue. As officers approached the crashed vehicle, they heard a gunshot from inside. Upon investigation, officers found the driver deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
.
The Oklahoma City Police Department conducted an internal self-investigation into the incident. No further details have been publicly released regarding the investigation's findings.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.koco.com/article/police-investigating-after-pursuit-in-stolen-car-leads-to-possible-suicide-in-nw-okc/35112973
https://kfor.com/news/local/man-dead-after-allegedly-stealing-vehicle-leading-officers-on-pursuit/
https://www.koco.com/article/police-investigating-after-pursuit-in-stolen-car-leads-to-possible-suicide-in-nw-okc/35112973?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Charles Ferguson
Age :64
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date : 01/02/2021
Location : Apollo Avenue and Olympic Street
City : Springfield
County : Clark
State : Ohio
Agency : Springfield Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Suicide during standoff
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 2, 2021, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Springfield Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call near Apollo Avenue and Olympic Street. Charles Ferguson, 64, reportedly opened fire on officers with a high-powered rifle. Police escalated a standoff. After approximately nine hours and multiple exchanges of gunfire, officers heard a single gunshot from inside the residence. Upon entry, they found Ferguson deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wdtn.com/news/standoff-in-springfield-is-over-man-that-shot-at-police-is-dead-from-apparent-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/
https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/neighborhood-blocked-off-after-reported-shots-fired-in-springfield/P4V75LYBSFDB5ARR2X74ZNMHKM/
https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/son-of-man-who-died-in-springfield-standoff-he-was-a-good-dad/L46ENSE42VB3JHKFKBNQLM6NBY/
Isaac Matheney
Age :37
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/01/2021
Location : OR-31 and US-395
City : Lakeview
County : Lake
State : Oregon
Agency : Lake County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during arrest attempt
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Isaac Matheney, a suspect in a New Year's Day holdup of a Silver Lake gas station and convenience store, was shot and killed by officers after his car was stopped. Matheney reportedly failed to comply with their orders, leading to the use of deadly force. It is unclear if Matheney was armed at the time of the incident.
The incident is under investigation by the Oregon State Police, with findings to be reviewed by the Lake County District Attorney's Office.
SOURCE LINKS :
Carl Dorsey III
Age :39
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/01/2021
Location : South 11th Street and Woodland Avenue
City : Newark
County : Essex
State : New Jersey
Agency : Newark Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during response to shots fired
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 01/01/2021, Newark Police officers responded to reports of shots fired near South 11th Street and Woodland Avenue. During the incident, officers shot and killed Carl Dorsey III. Specific details about what led to the shooting have not been disclosed by the police. The incident is under investigation.
SOURCE LINKS :
Akeem Terrell
Age :31
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 01/01/2021
Location : Maricopa County Jail, 201 S 4th Avenue
City : Phoenix
County : Maricopa
State : Arizona
Agency : Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Not disclosed
Cause of Death : Asphyxiation
Event : Died after being restrained in jail
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On January 1, 2021, 31-year-old Akeem Terrell was arrested by Phoenix police officers during a mental health crisis after he refused to leave a New Year's Day party. Terrell, who had a history of mental illness, was taken to the Maricopa County Jail. In an isolation cell, up to seven officers restrained him to change his handcuffs. Body camera footage showed officers leaving Terrell motionless and face down on the cell floor. Medical assistance was delayed, and Terrell was later pronounced dead at a hospital. His family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging unreasonable force and delayed medical care. In November 2024, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a $4 million settlement for Terrell's family. Earlier, the Phoenix City Council approved an $800,000 settlement related to the police officers' actions.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-man-jail-death-civil-rights-suit-62b6c677129404e5f624d35c405cbdb9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djcBI52KGog
Bennie Edwards
Age :60
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 12/11/2020
Location : Pennsylvania Avenue
City : Oklahoma City
County : Oklahoma
State : Oklahoma
Agency : Oklahoma City Police Department
Officer(s) : Sgt. Clifford Holman
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during disturbance call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Oklahoma City PD responded to a call about Edwards, a 60-year-old unhoused man, allegedly "bothering customers" at a strip mall. Police arrived and fired a Taser before fatally shooting him on December 11, 2021, after he allegedly charged at an officer with a knife and later fled.
.
There are differing accounts of the exact sequence of events. The police report that Edwards had a knife and approached them in an aggressive manner, leading to the use of force. Evidence suggests that he had his back turned when Sergeant Clifford Holman fired the fatal shots. Holman was one of 3 officers who fired shots at Edwards while he was fleeing, striking him in the back. The autopsy later confirmed that Edwards was hit by four bullets, with two of them in the abdomen and one in the chest, as well as grazing wounds on the arm and thigh. Autopsy to compare the differing claims is not available.
.
There are significant questions regarding the use of force in this situation, especially considering that Edwards was running away at the time of the shooting, which led to the manslaughter charge against Sergeant Holman. The police officers had used a Taser and OC (pepper) spray and deadly force. Some of the controversy surrounds the use of the knife and whether it posed a real threat, especially since Edwards was not facing the officers when he was shot.
.
OFFICER CHARGED
Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Clifford Holman was charged with first-degree manslaughter on February 26, 2021, for the December 11, 2020mshooting.The charges stemmed from allegations that Holman used unnecessary lethal force when he shot Edwards as Edwards ran away holding a knife.
.
LAWSUIT/SETTLEMENT
On November 21, 2023, the Oklahoma City Council approved a $1.05 million settlement for the family of Bennie Edwards.
OFFICER CLEARED AND REINSTATED
Holman remained on paid administrative leave following the charge. He was later acquitted on October 18, 2023, after a jury found him not guilty.
Officer Clifford Holman who fired the shots, was charged with manslaughter but had charges dismissed in 2023. Holman was reinstated to police work after being cleared.
.
UPDATE: 11/23/2024
SOURCE LINKS :
Officers cleared:
Family Wins Settlement:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/family-okc-man-killed-officer-225248228.html
Casey Christopher Goodson Jr.
Age :23
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 12/04/2020
Location : 3923 Estates Place
City : Columbus
County : Franklin
State : Ohio
Agency : Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Officer(s) : Jason Meade
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during possible profiling mixup
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 12/04/2020, Casey Goodson Jr. was returning home from a dentist appointment. He had stopped to pick up Subway sandwiches for his family, holding the sandwiches in one hand and his keys in the other as he approached his front door. As he began unlocking the door to his residence, Deputy Jason Meade of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, working with the U.S. Marshals Task Force on another assignment unrelated to Goodson in the area, shot Casey Goodson six times in the back. Meade later claimed he mistook the sandwiches Goodson held for a firearm.
.
The police officers involved in the incident with Casey Goodson Jr. were part of a U.S. Marshals task force conducting a search for a different individual in the area. Deputy Jason Meade, part of the task force, followed Goodson after he was allegedly seen driving by the scene with a gun, a claim later disputed by Goodson's family. Goodson had not the target of any investigation, and his family witnessed the aftermath as he fell inside his home.
.
Casey Goodson Jr.’s family members present during the incident included his grandmother and two young children, believed to be relatives, who witnessed parts of the event. Goodson's sister, Kaylee Harper, made a powerful statement on Facebook, saying, “My brother literally walked across the yard, walked in the back fence to get to the side door, had his Subway and mask in one hand, keys in the other, unlocked and opened the door and stepped in the house before [Meade] shot him. Why did you kill a man walking into his own home?!”
.
The family has consistently disputed the narrative provided by law enforcement, emphasizing that Goodson was not engaged in criminal activity, was a licensed gun owner, and was carrying only sandwiches and keys when he was killed.
.
The trial for Jason Meade, who was charged with murder and reckless homicide in the shooting of Casey Goodson Jr. in December 2020, began in February 2024. It ended in a mistrial on February 16, 2024, after the jury failed to reach a verdict despite deliberating for several days. Meade's defense team had requested a change of venue due to concerns over impartiality. The retrial date has not been set yet
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/us/casey-goodson-jason-meade.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/22/us/casey-goodson-shooting-jason-meade/index.html
• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/casey-goodson-shooting-what-know-franklin-county-sheriff-s-office-n1250593
• https://columbusfreepress.com/article/family-casey-christopher-goodson-jr-demands-answers-his-death​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• https://www.police1.com/trials/ohio-judge-declares-mistrial-in-former-deputys-murder-trial
Teresa Gomez
Age :40
Gender :Female
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 10/03/2019
Location : 1300 block of Burley Court
City : Las Cruces
County : Doña Ana
State : New Mexico
Agency : Las Cruces Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On October 3, 2019, Officer Felipe Hernandez approached Teresa Gomez, who was sitting in her car near the Las Cruces Recreation Center. Because Gomez had an outstanding warrant related to an incident involving an individual with felony charges, she attempted to drive away in her car. Officer Hernandez fired at least three shots at her vehicle as she tried to leave, with one of the shots fatally striking her. She had been unarmed, nonconfrontational and even asked the agitate3d officer in a calm tone, “Can you be nice?” She died from the fatal shooting.
.
After Teresa Gomez's death, Officer Felipe Hernandez was placed on administrative leave. The incident led to an internal investigation. In January 2024, Hernandez was charged with second-degree murder, and in May 2024, he was fired from the Las Cruces Police Department. The city in November of 2024 agreed to a $20 million settlement with Gomez’s family, although this settlement did not indicate Hernandez's criminal guilt
.
Officer Felipe Hernandez has not been cleared. He was charged with second-degree murder in January 2024 and will go to trial in June 2025.
SOURCE LINKS :
• https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/las-cruces-reaches-20-million-settlement-with-family-of-woman-shot-killed-by-officer-teresa-gomez-felipe-hernandez
• https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2019/10/04/las-cruces-police-shoot-woman-during-traffic-stop/3847131002/
Mario Clark
Age :31
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date : 02/14/2019
Location : 2738 Pinedale Street
City : Jackson
County : Hinds
State : Mississippi
Agency : Jackson Police Department
Officer(s) : Unknown
Cause of Death : Beaten/bludgeoned
Event : Beaten to death by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On February 14, 2019, Shelia Ragland called 911 because her son, Mario Clark, was undergoing a psychotic episode. Upon arrival, officers from the Jackson Police Department restrained Clark. According to Ragland, Clark was placed on the floor with his hands and feet handcuffed, and officers allegedly beat him on the legs, and kicked and hit him in the head. Despite Ragland's pleas for them to stop, Clark was later transported to a hospital where he was placed on life support and died several days later.
.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:Fatalities: 1
.
Last Update: 12/28/2024
SOURCE LINKS :
1. https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2020/sep/15/alternatives-policing-mental-illness/
2. https://www.wjtv.com/news/local-news/mario-clarks-family-releases-statement-after-coroner-rules-his-death-a-homicide/
3. https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2019/mar/06/four-officers-fired-mississippi-after-mans-death-l/
4. https://www.wjtv.com/news/local-news/jpd-officers-fired-after-death-of-mario-clark/
5. https://www.wjtv.com/news/local-news/family-calls-for-justice-in-death-of-mario-clark/
Kathryn Johnston
Age :92
Gender :Female
Race : Black
Date : 11/21/2006
Location : 933 Neal Street NW
City : Atlanta
County : Fulton
State : Georgia
Agency : Atlanta Police Department
Officer(s) : Jason R. Smith, Gregg Junnier, Arthur Tesler
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during no-knock raid
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On November 21, 2006, Kathryn Johnston, a 92-year-old African American woman, was killed during a botched drug raid at her home on Neal Street NW in Atlanta, Georgia. Officers of the Atlanta Police Department forcibly entered her residence using a no-knock warrant obtained through fabricated information. Police falsely claimed to have evidence of drug activity, including an alleged drug buy by a nonexistent informant.
When police breached her door, Johnston, believing her home was being invaded, fired a single warning shot from her revolver, which struck no one. Officers responded with 39 gunshots, striking Johnston multiple times and killing her. In the chaos, officers were injured by their own ricocheting bullet fragments from their barrage of gunfire. After realizing their mistake, officers handcuffed Johnston as she lay bleeding on the floor, where she later died. To cover up their actions, officers planted marijuana in her basement to frame her as a drug dealer.
.
PLANTING EVIDENCE
There was no marijuana. The officers handcuffed Ms. Johnston and left her to bleed and die on the floor of her own home while they planted marijuana in her basement to “find” it later.
.
THE TRIAL
A federal judge sent three cops to prison for their roles in the raid on Johnston’s Neal Street home. The judge said performance quotas influenced the officers’ behavior.
“It is my fervent hope the Atlanta Police Department will take to heart what has happened here,” U.S. District Judge Julie Carnes said. After conducting an emotional two-day hearing, Carnes sentenced former officers Gregg Junnier, Jason R. Smith and Arthur Bruce Tesler to prison.
.
THE OFFICERS
- Officer Gregg Junnier pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death and also faced related state charges. He was sentenced to six years in federal prison in 2009, with three years of supervised release afterward. His cooperation in the investigation of broader misconduct within the Atlanta Police Department led to significant reforms and additional convictions of other officers.
- Officer Jason R. Smith, one of the former Atlanta Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting of 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston, was sentenced in 2009 to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death. This sentence was served concurrently with state charges, including voluntary manslaughter and perjury, to which he also pleaded guilty. Smith began cooperating with investigators to a limited extent during the broader inquiry into misconduct within the Atlanta Police Department, which led to further charges against other officers. After serving his sentence, he would have been released around 2019, as there is no parole in the federal system. However, specific details about his life or activities following his release are not readily available from public records.
- Officer Arthur Tesler, one of the Atlanta police officers involved in the 2006 killing of Kathryn Johnston during a botched drug raid, was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Tesler was also required to complete probation and community service upon release. Details about the exact amount of time Tesler served in prison or his current whereabouts after release are not readily available from public records.
At the hearing, Tesler’s lawyer had provided examples of other Atlanta police officers who broke the rules or violated the law and said a disturbing culture of misconduct pervades the force.
.
Police Reforms
The public outrage following Johnston's death prompted significant reforms within the Atlanta Police Department regarding the use of no-knock warrants:
1. Tightened Oversight: Officers were required to obtain approval from both a senior police official and a judge before executing no-knock warrants.
2. Policy Restrictions: Stricter justification and higher evidentiary standards were instituted for approving such warrants.
3. Increased Accountability: Officers involved in warrant applications faced enhanced internal oversight to ensure compliance and truthful reporting.
.
No-Knock Raids under Scrutiny
Reforms sparked broader discussions about the legality and dangers of no-knock warrants, influencing changes in other jurisdictions. However, critics argue that deeper systemic changes are necessary to address the root causes of police misconduct and excessive force.
.
Civil Lawsuit and Settlement
Johnston’s family filed a wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit against the City of Atlanta and the officers involved. In August 2010, the city agreed to a $4.9 million settlement, one of the largest payouts for police misconduct at the time. The settlement was paid in two parts: $2.9 million upfront and the remaining $2 million by the end of 2012.
Johnston’s death remains a pivotal case in the debate over police accountability and the use of aggressive tactics such as no-knock warrants.
.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna18328267
http://reason.com/archives/2007/11/23/kathryn-johnston-a-year-later
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cop-convicted-of-lying-about-shootout/
https://www.aclu.org/other/kathryn-johnston-and-police-system-failure
Lincoln Boe
Age :18
Gender :Male
Race : White
Date :
Location : Clark County Detention Center, 330 South Casino Center Boulevard
City : Las Vegas
County : Clark
State : Nevada
Agency : Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Suicide
Event : Found dead in jail
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Lincoln Boe, 18, was facing charges of murder after the fatal stabbing of 60-year-old Gina Broome in Las Vegas. Boe was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. He died in custody on October 28, 2023, with the coroner ruling the cause of death as suicide. Boe had been scheduled to go to trial in April 2024 for the murder charge.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article299261604.html
Willie Nathaniel Blount
Age :67
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date :
Location : 1401 Main St
City : Swan Quarter
County : Hyde
State : North Carolina
Agency : Hyde County SO
Officer(s) : William Waters
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during breaking and entering call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Hyde County deputies were sent to a call of a breaking and entering in progress. Nat Blount, the caller’s ex-husband, had kicked in the door and arrived with a gun. Police said that they arrived and found him standing on the front porch with a rifle. Police engaged in a 10-minute standoff, and claim the man would not drop the rifle. They shot and killed him.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.witn.com/2022/04/10/domestic-violence-advocate-shares-support-hyde-co-victims/
Joe W. Williams
Age :64
Gender :Male
Race : Black
Date :
Location : East 31st Street and Wabash Avenue
City : Kansas City
County : Wyandotte
State : Kansas
Agency : Independence Police Department, Kansas City Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Independence PD chased a vehicle at high speeds for undisclosed reasons until it hit 2 other vehicles, crashed through a fence and came to a stop. The driver of one of the bystander vehicles that was hit by the police chase crash died.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article288576911.html
https://www.kmbc.com/article/independence-police-pursuit-ends-deadly-crash-kc/60834430#
Name Not Disclosed
Age :
Gender :Male
Race : Unknown
Date :
Location : 1526 East Forrest Avenue
City : East Point
County : Fulton
State : Georgia
Agency : East Point Police Department
Officer(s) : Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Overdose
Event : Found dead in jail
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
An individual died from a drug overdose while in custody at the East Point Jail in Georgia. The City of East Point reached a $2.1 million settlement with the family over claims of negligence and failure to provide adequate medical care. The settlement aims to address accountability and improve inmate safety measures.