Social Justice
Dontrell Stephens : Dashcam video shows police officer shooting man in back four times
In September of 2013, Dontrell Stephens was talking on his cell phone and riding his bike when he realized he was being followed by police.
In September of 2013, Dontrell Stephens was talking on his cell phone and riding his bike when he realized he was being followed by police.
The 20-year-old walked toward the deputy and, four seconds later, was shot at four times. He is now paralyzed from the waist down.
The Grio Reports:
Thursday, Florida television station WPTV obtained exclusive footage of the incident, which shows Deputy Adams Lin shooting Dontrell Stephens in the back.
He also can be heard talking to another deputy and assessing what to do next.
That same day of the shooting, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw defended Lin.
“Stop what you’re doing and comply with us,” he told reporters. “There’s nothing in the rules of engagement that says we have to put our lives in jeopardy to wait to find out what this is to get killed.”
Lin returned to duty four days later, and the shooting was declared justified months later by the State Attorney’s Office and PBSO.
However, West Palm Beach attorney Jack Scarola, who is representing Stephens, requested the video and found that there were discrepancies between what Lin says happened and what is shown in the footage.
“There are no records of any commands ever made to Dontrell Stephens,” explained Scarola.
“The deputy’s recorded statements following the shooting were absolutely false. Internal affairs completely ignored that evidence,” he said.
-
In Memoriam2 weeks ago
Beloved journalist, Robin Ayers, passes away at 44
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks ago
Family seeks justice for South Carolina 6th grader who survived suicide attempt
-
Crime & Justice4 weeks ago
Florida woman who fatally shot Black neighbor sentenced to 25 years in prison
-
Police3 weeks ago
Jay-Z’s Team Roc sues Kansas City, Kansas, for records related to alleged police misconduct
-
Police4 weeks ago
Tyron McAlpin, Black deaf man beaten by Phoenix police, plans to sue city for $3.5M
-
Crime & Justice4 weeks ago
Fundraiser started for Tuskegee University shooting victim La’Tavion Johnson
-
Crime & Justice1 week ago
Ohio shooting claims life of sister and brother
-
Crime & Justice1 week ago
Marilyn Mosby not pardoned by Joe Biden despite efforts