Death by Cop  2021-2025

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Matthew Zadok Williams

Age : 35

Gender : Male

Race : Black

Date : 04/12/2021

Location : 2557 Terrace Trail

City : Decatur

County : DeKalb

State : Georgia

Agency : DeKalb County Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during standoff

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 04/12/2021, DeKalb County police shot and killed 35 year old Matthew Zadok Williams during a prolonged standoff at a condominium complex on Terrace Trail in Decatur. Police responded around 4 p.m. after receiving calls reporting a man holding a knife in a residential area. Officers located Williams standing outside the residence while holding the knife.
During the standoff, officers approached Williams and issued commands. Police stated that Williams moved toward officers while holding the knife. Officers opened fire during the encounter. Williams was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
The DeKalb County District Attorney, Sherry Boston, reviewed the case and ruled the use of deadly force justified, and no criminal charges were filed against the officers involved. Williams’ family later filed a civil lawsuit against the DeKalb County Police Department, alleging wrongful death and excessive force. The civil case proceeded separately from the district attorney’s decision.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-1-dead-in-overnight-police-shooting-in-dekalb-county/75VYARPGTFB3JEMTNSA4HMZTZI/
https://www.wabe.org/dekalb-da-explains-why-no-criminal-charges-were-filed-in-the-police-shooting-death-of-mathew-zadok-williams/
http://thechampionnewspaper.com/news/local/da-says-use-of-deadly-force-was-justified-in-decatur-condominium-shooting/
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/zadok-williams-family-suing-dekalb-police-department/85-7ce97a81-3fbb-42bf-a849-60ea87f8778e
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/matthew-zadok-williams-police-shooting-dekalb-county-lawsuit