Houston cop kills double amputee in wheelchair

A Houston police officer fatally shot a one‑armed, one‑legged man in a wheelchair Saturday after authorities say the man threatened the officer with what turned out to be a pen inside a local group home.

Details: Houston Cop Kills Double Amputee

According to the Associated Press, the man, identified as 45‑year‑old Brian cornered the officer while “aggressively” waving a metal object and making threats. Police later determined the object was a pen. Authorities said the officer did not know what Claunch was holding at the time and believed it could have been a weapon.

Investigators say Claunch came within inches of the officer and refused repeated commands to calm down. A caretaker at the home had called police earlier, reporting that a resident in a wheelchair was causing a disturbance.

John Garcia, owner of the group home, told the Houston Chronicle that Claunch had a long history of mental illness and had lived at the residence for about 18 months. Garcia said Claunch told him he lost one arm and a leg above the knee after being struck by a train years earlier.

“He sometimes would go off a bit, but you just ignore it,” Garcia said.

Houston police identified the officer as Matthew Jacob Marin, a five‑year veteran of the department. Marin was placed on a standard three‑day administrative leave following the shooting, which is routine in all officer‑involved shootings.

Investigation

Department records show this is not Marin’s first fatal shooting. In 2009, investigators said he encountered a man actively stabbing a neighbor at an apartment complex and opened fire when the suspect refused to drop the knife.

The latest shooting is under investigation by Houston police and internal affairs.