Current:Home > MyColorado officer who killed Black man holding cellphone mistaken for gun won’t be prosecuted-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Colorado officer who killed Black man holding cellphone mistaken for gun won’t be prosecuted
lotradecoin login View Date:2024-12-26 05:40:01
DENVER (AP) — A Colorado police officer who fatally shot a Black man holding what turned out to be a cellphone as police tried to arrest him will not be prosecuted, the district attorney announced Friday.
Officer Michael Dieck told investigators that he believed Kilyn Lewis, who was wanted in connection with a shooting in Denver, was holding a gun in his right hand and was about to fire at the officers in neighboring Aurora on May 23, District Attorney John Kellner said in a letter explaining his decision.
The other officers, who did not fire at Lewis, also described Lewis’ actions as consistent with someone preparing to draw a weapon and otherwise fight with officers, Kellner said.
Lewis was shot as police, who had been surveilling him, moved in to arrest him in the parking lot of a condo building. In portions of body camera footage previously released by police, the officers, who appear to emerge from unmarked vehicles, can be heard shouting at Lewis to get on the ground. After taking a few steps next to his car and putting his right hand behind his back, Lewis raises his hands in the air, as if to surrender.
Kellner said Lewis showed his left hand but put his right hand in his right rear pocket, out of the view of officers. Lewis than raised his right hand holding an object, later identified as the cellphone, and Dieck fired one shot, he said.
Members of Lewis’ family have called for Dieck to be prosecuted for murder. Since the shooting, relatives and other supporters have turned out at city council meetings asking for justice.
In a statement posted on social media, members of Lewis’ family said they were “deeply disappointed and outraged” by Kellner’s decision. They said they were not given any notice of it and have not had enough time to fully review his 20-page letter yet.
“This decision is not only a failure of justice but a message that the life of an unarmed Black man like Kilyn means nothing to the very system that is supposed to protect us,” they said.
The family asked supporters to join them at a rally before Monday’s city council meeting.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- 'Love Island UK' stars Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy Fury announce split after 5 years
- Hospitals mostly rebound after Helene knocked out power and flooded areas
- What is the birthstone for October? Hint: There's actually two.
- MLB postseason highlights: Padres, Mets secure big wins in Game 1 of wild-card series
- A teen was falling asleep during a courtroom field trip. She ended up in cuffs and jail clothes
- Scammers are accessing Ticketmaster users' email accounts, stealing tickets, company says
- Doctor charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death is expected to plead guilty
- Rapper Rich Homie Quan's cause of death revealed
- US unemployment claims fall 7,000 to 227,000 in sign of resiliency in job market
- Massachusetts couple charged with casting ballots in New Hampshire
Ranking
- 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars': Premiere date, cast, where to watch and stream
- MLB postseason highlights: Padres, Mets secure big wins in Game 1 of wild-card series
- Bills' Von Miller suspended for four games for violating NFL conduct policy
- Kylie Jenner Shares Glimpse Inside Her Paris Fashion Week Modeling Debut
- Social media celebrates Chick-Fil-A's Banana Pudding Milkshake: 'Can I go get in line now?'
- FBI will pay $22.6 million to settle female trainees' sex bias claims
- Video of fatal shooting of Kentucky judge by accused county sheriff shown in court
- U.S. port strike may factor into Fed's rate cut decisions
Recommendation
-
Lady Gaga’s Brunette Hair Transformation Will Have You Applauding
-
Below Deck Sailing Yacht: Daisy Kelliher Reveals the Surprising Text Ex Colin MacRae Recently Sent Her
-
Frolic Into Fall With Lands' End's Huge Sitewide Sale: $7 Tees, $8 Bras, $10 Pants & More — Up to 87% Off
-
Chemical smoke spewing from a Georgia factory is projected to spread toward Atlanta as winds shift
-
Collin Gosselin Says He Was Discharged from the Marines Due to Being Institutionalized by Mom Kate
-
The Sports Bra announces partnership with LA women's soccer club for streaming channel
-
The president could invoke a 1947 law to try to suspend the dockworkers’ strike. Here’s how
-
Mark Estes Breaks Silence on Kristin Cavallari Split