Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Wesley Key
Gender : Male
Age : 43
Race : White
Date : 12/11/2024
Location : Peach Street
City : Abilene
County : Taylor
State : Texas
Agency : Abilene Police Department
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Suicide under police duress
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On December 11, 2024, officers from the Abilene Police Department attempted to serve an arrest warrant on 43-year-old James Wesley Key at his residence on Peach Street in Abilene. Key was wanted in connection with a recent assault. Upon police arrival, Key left the residence in a vehicle, prompting officers to escalate a pursuit through multiple neighborhoods. The chase concluded when Key’s vehicle collided with a tree.Following the crash, a SWAT team was deployed to the scene as Key refused to exit his vehicle. Officers reportedly used tear gas, while SWAT members, equipped with AR-15 rifles, surrounded the area. After a prolonged standoff, officers approached the vehicle and reported finding Key with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Key’s family disputes the police’s account of events, expressing skepticism about the claim that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. They have called for an independent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
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Total Fatalities/Injuries:
One fatality; no injuries reported.
SOURCE LINKS :
1. https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-manhunt-ends-night-death-171119173.html
2. https://ktxs.com/news/local/abilene-manhunt-ends-tragically-suspect-dead-family-questions-self-inflicted-wound-claim