Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Kyle Larkin
Age : 31
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 07/31/2023
Location : Scotia Avenue SW
City : Palm Bay
County : Broward
State : Florida
Agency : Palm Bay Police Department, Palm Bay SWAT Team
Officer(s) :Unknown
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 07/31/2023, Palm Bay Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Scotia Avenue SW after receiving reports that 31-year-old Kyle Larkin was armed and preventing family members from leaving the home. Family members were eventually able to escape, and officers learned that Larkin was experiencing a mental health crisis. His father later said Larkin had been expressing suicidal thoughts and needed psychiatric help. The Palm Bay Police Department activated its SWAT Team and crisis negotiators, and the standoff continued for several hours.
According to investigators, negotiators repeatedly attempted to persuade Larkin to surrender. During the standoff, police said he fired multiple rounds from inside the residence toward officers. After Larkin exited the home carrying a handgun, officers stated he pointed the weapon toward them. Multiple SWAT officers fired, striking Larkin numerous times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later determined he had been struck by 24 gunshot wounds. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted the independent investigation into the shooting.
Larkin's family questioned the outcome of the encounter, emphasizing that he was in the midst of a mental health crisis and had needed treatment rather than a fatal confrontation. His father publicly stated that the family had sought help because Larkin was suicidal and expressed disappointment that the incident ended with his death. In August 2024, Larkin's estate filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Palm Bay, alleging officers used excessive force and challenging the necessity of firing 24 rounds after the prolonged standoff.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wesh.com/article/palm-bay-officers-shoot-kill-suspect/44689696
