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#SAYHERNAME IN MEMORIAM

Niani

Finlayson, 27

 

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December 4, 2023

Los Angeles, CA

27-year-old Niani Finlayson, was fatally shot by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on December 4, 2023. It was reported that deputies were responding to her domestic violence call asking for police help at an apartment in Lancaster, California. An audio clip released by the sheriff’s department revealed that Niani told the dispatcher her ex-boyfriend “won’t get out of my house” and “will not leave me alone.” Within seconds of entering her home, one of the deputies shot Niani four times in front of her young daughter. Niani later died in the hospital from her injuries.

Jessica Denise Brown, 35

 

July 9, 2023

Tarzana, CA

 On a Sunday morning in Tarzana, CA, local police responded to multiple reports of an incident involving Jessica Denise Brown, a 30-year-old Black female, who was in possession of a metal pipe. During the encounter with law enforcement, Ms. Brown was shot. Initially reported in stable condition, she unfortunately later succumbed to her injuries. In connection with the incident, four individuals were affected; two of them were hospitalized in stable condition, one declined medical treatment at the scene, and the condition of the fourth individual remains undisclosed. No officers sustained injuries, and the metal pipe was recovered on site.

Mable Lucille Arrington, 42



August 22, 2022
Biloxi, MS
Mable was fatally shot by a Biloxi police officer at her residence. The details leading up to the shooting remain unclear, however, officers had responded to a call at the location on a Monday night. Mable was reportedly shot multiple times and succumbed to her injuries during surgery. Controversy arose regarding the incident, with the Mississippi Alliance for Public Safety and Mississippi Rising Coalition calling for the release of the body cam footage for more transparency. There are conflicting accounts of the events leading to Mable’s death, with family members claiming police forcibly entered her apartment without a warrant.

Imonie

Hackett, 31

 

July 18, 2022

Austintown, OH

Imonie died after being shot by a state trooper during an 18-hour standoff. Officers from multiple agencies responded to an incident where Imonie was allegedly holding a gun in the hallway of her apartment complex. Despite police orders, Imonie refused to surrender, which resulted in a standoff. Her 9-year-old son was in the apartment with her during this incident. Her mother, Belinda Hackett, expressed her confusion and grief over the incident, questioning the police's handling of the situation given her daughter's struggle with mental health. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation was looking into the officer-involved shooting.

Madeline
Miller, 64



July 10, 2022
Flossmoor, IL
Madeline was fatally shot during a police response to an alleged domestic disturbance at her home. Flossmoor police, responding to a third-party report, allege that Madeline was armed with a large kitchen knife and posed a threat to officers and another individual present at the scene. Police claim she ignored commands to drop the weapon and advanced towards the officers, resulting in her being shot. The incident was captured on body camera footage, which has been released, and is currently under review by the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force. Protests have been held demanding justice for Madeline Miller, with calls for further crisis intervention training, de-escalation strategies, and an independent investigation into the incident.

Jada Elizabeth Johnson, 22

 

July 1, 2022

Fayetteville, NC

Jada was tragically shot 17 times in the back by police officers during a mental health crisis. Police assert they arrived with the intention to arrest Jada for misuse of 911 calls, yet a lawsuit filed by her family alleges a more complex and troubling series of events. Despite her visible distress and attempts to convey fears over threats from an abusive ex-boyfriend, police tackled Jada before shooting her multiple times. Notably, these events transpired in front of Jada’s daughter and grandparents. The incident raises profound concerns about the handling of mental health crises by law enforcement, particularly within the Black community, prompting demands for transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reform.

Camille
Weems, 47



May 20, 2022
Milford, OH

Erica

Graham, 42

 

April 23, 2022

Washington, DC

On April 23, 2022, Erica Graham, a 42-year-old Black woman, was shot in Washington D.C. She was found by officers, armed and dressed in a special police uniform, smashing windows on a porch on Crittenden Street NW around 6 a.m. Police had been called to the scene due to a separate shooting incident. She was shot despite officers ordering her to drop the gun and lie down. No body cam footage is available, and it is undetermined if she was fleeing. No mental illness was reported.

Faubricia Virtaux Gainer, 36



March 18, 2022
Sterling, VA
Faubricia Virtaux Gainer. a 36-year-old Black woman who was reportedly armed with a knife, was shot on March 18, 2022, in an apartment building in Sterling, Va. There was no body cam recording and she was Not fleeing

Quinetrice McAllister, 38

 

March 11, 2022

Raymond, MS

Quinetrice McAllister, a 38-year-old Black woman who was reportedly armed with a gun, was. It is alleged that she opened fire on three deputies near the Raymond Detention Center, to which the officers returned fire, fatally wounding her. McAllister was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nakita
Williams, 33



December 19, 2021
Detroit, MI
At a Detroit gas station, 33-year-old Nakita Williams lost her life after being shot by the police. After arriving at the store Williams cut in front of three customers in line and produced a gun to the cash register. Allegedly, Williams then aimed the gun at the four responding police officers which resulted in the fatal shooting of Nakita Williams. After the shooting it was discovered that the gun Williams had was an airsoft gun loaded with CO2 cartridges It is noted that Williams was suffering from a mental health episode at the time of the incident.

Fanta 

Bility, 8

 

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August 27, 2021

Sharon HilI, PA

"Fanta Bility, an 8 year old Black girl, was with her family at a Friday night high school football game in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania on August 27, 2021. On leaving the game, there was a shootout that had occurred nearby between multiple Black teenage boys and Sharon police officers were searching for the car they had thought was owned by one of the boys involved in the shooting. Officers fired dozens of shots at a car moving through a crowd after gunfire broke out near the football field, with one of the shots killing Fanta. While the prosecution had initially charged the teenage boys with murder, these charges for the teenagers were dropped when a subsequent investigation concluded that the shots that killed Fanta were from the police officers. The police officers were initially charged with manslaughter. The three officers involved were fired from the Sharon Hill Borough Police Department a few days after charges were recommended. As of November 11, 2022, the three former police officers who were charged with killing Fanta Bility, pleaded guilty on November 10th, 2022 to ten counts each of reckless endangerment (as part of the plea deals, the more serious charges of manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter against the three former Sharon Hill Borough officers were dropped). They will remain free on bail while awaiting their sentencing hearing scheduled for January"

Priscilla
Slater, 38



June 10, 2020
Harper Woods, MI
Priscilla Slater, 38-years-old, died in custody on June 10th, 2020 after being found unresponsive in her holding cell in Harper Woods, Michigan. Slater was arrested the day before due to her alleged connection to a recent shooting incident. A witness to the arrest shared that Slater “couldn’t even stand up by herself before the police even came.” Two supervisors and four civilian aides have since been placed on administrative leave. Michigan State Police have launched an investigation into Slater’s death. A medical examiner identified an undetermined cardiac problem as a potential cause of death and found that Slater may have suffered a seizure while detained.
Tiffany
Alexis Eubanks, 33



June 3, 2020
Yakima, WA
Tiffany Alexis Eubanks, a 33-year-old homeless woman, died on June 3, 2020 shortly after being arrested by Oak Harbor police. Eubanks, diagnosed with mental illness was handcuffed after allegedly becoming “combative” with medics who were attempting to treat her and prevent her from walking in and out of traffic. While in a patrol car, Eubanks began having a medical emergency and died 10 hours later from cardiac arrest. The Yakima Police Department reported that while cases like Eubanks’s are typically treated as a medical emergency (requiring an ambulance), Eubanks was taken to the hospital in a patrol car and not an ambulance.
Breonna
Taylor, 26



March 13, 2020
Louisville, KY
Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police on her bedroom on March 13, 2020, during a botched raid on her apartment. White plainclothes officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove forced entry into the apartment as part of an investigation into drug dealing operations.Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was sleeping with her when the officers forced entry. Officers said that they announced themselves as police before forcing entry, but Walker said he did not hear any announcement, thought the officers were intruders, and fired a warning shot at them. According to police, it hit Mattingly in the leg, and the officers fired 32 shots in return. Walker was unhurt but Taylor was hit by six bullets and died. LMPD fired Hankison for blindly firing through the covered patio door and window of Taylor's apartment. On September 15, the city of Louisville agreed to pay Taylor's family $12 million and reform police practices. A week later, a state grand jury indicted Hankison on three counts of wanton endangerment for endangering Taylor's neighbors with his shots. However, none of the officers involved in the raid has been charged in Taylor's death.
Tina
Davis, 53



January 4, 2020
Spring Valley, NY
Tina Davis, a 53-year-old mother, was killed by police in Spring Valley, New York. Police were responding to a call that Davis was smashing car windshields. Police claim that they shot Davis with a Taser to get her to loosen her grip on an officer and that she went into cardiac arrest after being shocked. Davis's family counters that police tasered her while she was already unconscious. Davis died after being brought to Good Samaritan Hospital. A lawyer for Davis's family stated that Davis's two children were banned by security from visiting her at the hospital as she was dying. The New York Attorney General's Office decided to investigate Davis's death independent of local law enforcement.
Atatiana
Jefferson, 28



October 12, 2019
Fort Worth, TX
Atatiana Jefferson, a 28-year-old woman, was shot and killed in her home in Fort Worth, Texas by Aaron Dean, a Dallas police officer. Jefferson was watching her 8-year-old nephew when she heard noises outside. She reportedly retrieved her handgun and headed toward the window to inspect the source of the noises. Officer Dean had come to Jefferson's home in response to a non-emergency welfare call placed by Jefferson’s neighbor after seeing Jefferson’s door open for some time. Shortly after arriving, Dean shot Jefferson through her window, killing her. After the shooting, Dean retired from the police force and was indicted for murder.
Layleen
Polanco, 27



June 7, 2019
New York, NY
Layleen Cubilette-Polanco, a 27-year-old transgender woman, died while in custody at New York’s Rikers Island jail on June 7th, 2019. Cubilette-Polanco was arrested on misdemeanor charges and incarcerated only because she could not afford the $500 bail. While in the restrictive housing unit, Polanco experienced multiple seizures and jail officials waited more than an hour and a half before calling for medical help. Video revealed that jail guards left Polanco unattended for at least 47 minutes, in violation of the jail's mandatory checks every 15 minutes. In June 2020, it was announced that seventeen jail employees would be disciplined including four who would be suspended without pay. The identities and specific discipline for the jail guards has not been made public. In August 2020, New York City reached a $5.9 million settlement with Polanco's family.
Crystal
Danielle Ragland, 32



May 30, 2019
Huntsville, AL
Crystal Danielle Ragland, a 32-year-old woman, was shot and killed by police officers in Huntsville, Alabama. Officers were called to the scene upon receiving reports of a woman allegedly waving a gun around. According to reports, Ragland yelled at officers to shoot her and claimed she didn't have a gun. Officers claim Ragland was reaching for a firearm in her pocket when they shot her. It was later determined that the gun on Ragland's possession was fake. The officers who shot Ragland were cleared of any wrongdoing by a police review board.
Pamela
Shantay Turner, 45



May 13, 2019
Baytown, TX
Pamela Shantay Turner, a 45-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was shot and killed by Officer Juan Delacruz in Baytown, Texas. Delacruz, who lived in the same complex as Turner, alleged that he spotted Turner and sought to arrest her because he recognized her and knew she had an outstanding warrant for criminal mischief. Turner told Delacruz she was walking to her apartment and stated that he was harassing her. Shortly afterwards, Delacruz fired his taser at Turner. While Turner was on the ground, Delacruz backed away and then shot Turner five times. Police allege that while Delacruz was attempting to handcuff Turner, she grabbed his Taser and this prompted him to shoot her. The Taser was one that could not shoot a second set of darts and had already been deployed against Turner. In September 2020, a grand jury indicted Delacruz on one count of aggravated assault by a public servant.
Nina
Adams, 47



March 13, 2019
Greensburg, PA
Nina Adams, a 47-year-old former nurse, was shot by police on March 13, 2019 in Greensburg, PA. Adams was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was shot by police while she was allegedly on her porch firing bullets at passing cars. Police claim she went upstairs to reload her gun and returned to the porch, when she pointed her gun at officers. Police first fired a bean bag round at Adams before shooting her. Police initially claimed that the bean bag round knocked Adams to the ground before later denying that it had done so. Adams had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and the county coroner ruled her death a homicide. In 2020, the local district attorney released a report stating that the officers were justified in killing Adams.
Latasha Nicole Walton, a 32-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in Miami, FL. Florida Highway Patrol officials allege that Walton was driving "erratically" and Officer Ronald Melendez-Bonilla arrived to assist another officer. Officer Melendez-Bonilla parked his patrol car in front of Walton's car to block it. Video footage of the encounter contradicts claims made by FHP and shows Walton driving away but not directly at Melendez-Bonilla when he opens fire and fires multiple rounds into the car through the passenger window, killing Walton. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, and Walton’s family and lawyer have called for a DOJ civil rights investigation.
Latasha
Nicole Walton, 32



March 12, 2019
Miami, FL
Eleanor Northington, 43



February 8, 2019
Indianapolis, IN
Eleanor Northington, a 43-year old mother of three, died inside a church after a confrontation with Indianapolis police officers on February 8, 2019. Northington had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and her family brought her to Mount Calvary Apostolic Church in Indianapolis, IN to “uplift her spirit” following her trouble sleeping, eating, and experiencing back pain. Witnesses report that Northington started experiencing a mental health crisis while at the church in front of at least 20 people. Officers were called, and allege that upon their arrival, Northington attempted to bite and hit officers, prompting them to employ physical de-escalation techniques, including placing a knee on Northington’s back and putting a cloth over her face to keep her from spitting. Northington told officers “I can’t breathe.” She was unconscious when officers began CPR and called paramedics. Northington died at the hospital two days later. The autopsy report prepared by the Marion County coroner's office indicates that the death cause was a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. The report leaves open the possibility that the officers could have contributed to Northington's death. However, an internal affairs investigation found no administrative violations, and a criminal investigation did not identify any concerns. All five officers involved in the case have returned to work.
Angel
Viola Decarlo, 31



December 18, 2018
Hopewell, VA
Angel Viola Decarlo, a 31-year-old woman who struggled with bipolar disorder was shot and killed by a Hopewell, Virginia police officer. Police were responding to reports of an armed robbery at a convenience store when they encountered Decarlo. Police claim that Decarlo was running down the street and did not respond to a command to stop. Police also claim that pointed a handgun at an officer, prompting the officer to shoot and kill her. Decarlo’s family contends that she was not armed when she died. As of July 2019, a special prosecutor was investigating the incident, following an investigation by the Virginia State Police, the findings of which were turned over to the Hopewell Commonwealth's Attorney Office.
April
Webster, 47



December 16, 2018
Darlington County, SC
April Webster, 47-years-old, was shot and killed by police in her home in Darlington County, South Carolina. Elizabeth Gainey, Webster’s wife, called police to report that Webster, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and experienced trauma related to being raped by men in her military platoon, was threatening self harm. Police had assured Gainey that they would use non-lethal methods to calm the situation. Upon entering the home, Gainey reports that officers pushed her aside and shot Webster three times. Police allege that Webster was holding a knife, but Gainey disputes this and has stated that Webster was sick and weak and could have been overpowered with non-lethal force.
Janice
Dotson-Stephens, 61


December 14, 2018
Bexar County, TX
Janice Dotson-Stephens, a 61-year-old woman and mother of 4, died in police custody on December 14, 2018. She had been jailed for criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. Because of her obvious mental health condition, she was placed in the jail’s infirmary, where doctors, nurses, and social workers noted her erratic and abusive behavior and her refusal to eat. She also refused treatment, even though the medical staff knew of her diagnoses for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, as well as hypertension. She languished in jail for 5 months before her death instead of being immediately transferred to the San Antonio State Hospital for treatment. Leslie Sachanowicz, an attorney for the family, has said Dotson-Stephens was “ignored to death” in the jail.
Tameka
LaShay Simpson, 27



December 11, 2018
Calhoun, GA
Tameka LaShay Simpson, 27-years-old, was shot and killed by Calhoun police officers at a gas station in Calhoun, Georgia. Officers Joe Yother and Jeremy Thompson approached Simpson after allegedly smelling marijuana in her car. The officer called for backup and approached Simpson and asked her for identification. Simpson refused and officers allege that during the interaction Simpson pulled out a gun and shot at the officers, striking Yother once. The officers then shot and killed Simpson. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced it would conduct an independent investigation of the shooting.
Aleah
Mariah Jenkins, 24



December 6, 2018
San Diego, CA
Aleah Mariah Jenkins, a 24-year-old woman, died in police custody on December 6, 2018. Jenkins was arrested on November 27, 2018, when she was a passenger in a vehicle that police pulled over on La Jolla Village Drive. During the traffic stop, officers arrested her on a misdemeanor warrant that accused her of methamphetamine possession. During the encounter, Jenkins became sick and vomited, according to police and body camera footage. Officers called for medics, then subsequently canceled the call after Jenkins told police she was pregnant. She also reportedly told officers she only had an upset stomach. She then became unresponsive while in police custody that evening and died a few days later.
LaJuana
Phillips, 36



October 2, 2018
Victorville, CA
LaJuana Phillips, a 36-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies in Victorville, California. Deputies were responding to reports of an alleged fight at a used car dealership. Officers claim Phillips, who was inside her car at the time, began moving slowly toward Deputy Jaime Pulido, which prompted the deputy to approach the car's side window and spray pepper spray inside the car. Deputy Pulido then fired six rounds inside the car, killing Phillips. Pulido claimed that Phillips had begun driving toward him and that he feared for his life. Family members dispute this account. Phillips was unarmed and died in her car. In May 2019, Phillips' family and San Bernardino County settled for $2.6 million. In 2020, the local district attorney cleared Pulido of wrongdoing. Family members strongly dispute that Phillips attempted to drive towards the deputies or that she posed any threat to them. Her family was not notified by the police of her death; instead, her children were picked up by Child and Family Services, who informed them of their mother’s death.
Dereshia
Blackwell, 39



September 9, 2018
Missouri City, TX
Dereshia Blackwell, 39-years-old, was shot and killed by Missouri City police officers at her apartment in Missouri City, Texas. Officers were responding to a call alleging that Blackwell had killed her neighbor. When officers arrived at her home, they claim that Blackwell was holding a gun and a knife. Police claim they ordered Blackwell to put down the weapons and tasered her before firing five rounds at her. Blackwell died at the scene.
Cynthia
Fields, 60



July 27, 2018
Savannah, GA
Cynthia Fields, 60, was in her home on July 27, 2018, when she was shot and killed by bullets being shot towards her porch, where her grandson was. The situation began around 9:30 p.m. Savannah Police first responded to a shooting two blocks away on New Castle Street. While investigating that scene, Officers say they encountered a man on Stratford Street that matched the description of the person who may have been involved in the previous incident. Savannah Police Officers approached the suspect, now identified as 20-year old Chantz Cooper. Investigators say a Savannah Police Officer and Cooper fired shots at each other. A stray bullet from the exchange flew into the home of Cynthia Fields. Fields died from her injuries. Chantz Cooper was indicted by the Chatham County grand jury in connection with an earlier armed robbery attempt and aggravated assault. In indicting Cooper, the grand jury said he committed felony murder in Fields’ death by shooting at police officers Sgt. Robert Mowers and officer Joseph Altomare while they were engaged in the lawful discharge of their duties.
Lashanda
Anderson, 36



June 9, 2018
Deptford, NJ
Lashanda Anderson, a 36-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by Deptford Police Sergeant Kevin Clements. A Marshalls security guard stopped Anderson and two others for suspected shoplifting and called police, falsely claiming that there was a manslaughter warrant for one of the suspected shoplifters. When police arrived, Anderson began driving away in her SUV. One officer smashed her back window with a baton. Clements fired three shots at the front of Anderson's car, hitting Anderson twice. Officers claimed that Anderson was attempting to drive into the officers but this was contradicted by multiple eyewitnesses, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Anderson's family. Clements was cleared of wrongdoing by the local prosecutor but the federal government opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting. In 2020, Anderson's family brought a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against Marshalls, Deptford Township, Clements, and the police chief. Clements had twice before been sued for use of excessive force.
Shukri
Ali Said, 36



April 28, 2018
John Creeks, GA
Shukri Ali Said, a 36-year-old woman, was shot and killed by police in John Creeks, Georgia. Police were responding to a call made by Said's sister, who told police that Said had heard voices and told her family she needed to run away. Police found Said walking on a bridge and alleged that she was holding a knife. Police fired a Taser and a foam round at Said before shooting and killing her. According to a lawsuit brought by Said's family, the officers fired three rounds at Said, causing her to clutch her chest and fall to the ground. After trying to get up from the ground, officers fired two more shots at Said. The four officers involved in the incident were cleared of wrongdoing by the department's internal affairs unit and were allowed to return to active duty. The local DA indicated that his investigation into the shooting was stymied by the officers' refusal to cooperate or answer questions. Two years after the shooting, Said's family brought a lawsuit against the officers and the city of Johns Creek, alleging excessive force and racial discrimination.
DeCynthia Clements, 34



March 12, 2018
Elgin, IL
DeCynthia Clements was shot and killed on March 12, 2018, by Lt. Chris Jensen, an Elgin police officer. Clements was pulled over for erratic driving and officers spent over an hour attempting to persuade Clements to come out of her SUV before Clements set her care and fire and emerged holding a kitchen knife. As soon as Clements came out of her car Jensen shot and killed Clements rather than waiting for another officer to use a taser, even though Jensen had instructed an officer to draw his taser in case it needed to be used. The Cook County State Attorney announced that Jensen would not be prosecuted and Jensen was reinstated a year and a half after the incident.
Cariann
Hithon, 22



October 8, 2017
Miami, FL
Cariann Hithon, a 22-year-old student at Temple University was shot and killed by a Miami Beach Police Department officer after she struck an officer while attempting to flee. Hithon, who was in Miami Beach for her birthday, was allegedly driving under the influence when she was stopped by multiple police cars. Hithon began to accelerate in an attempt to flee and Officer Michael Angulo fired three rounds at Hithon, killing her. The State Attorney's office cleared Officer Angulo of wrongdoing and no charges were pressed. Angulo returned to active duty shortly after the shooting.
Sandy
Guardiola, 48



October 4, 2017
Canandaigua, NY
Sandy Guardiola, a 48-year-old parole officer, was fatally shot in her home by Canandaigua Police. Guardiola was in bed when Officer Scott Kadien entered Guardiola's home without permission and shot her three times. Kadien was performing a welfare check that had been called by Guardiola's former co-workers even though she had transferred to a different location. Kadien alleged that Guardiola pointed her service handgun at him and fired in his direction. In a civil rights lawsuit filed by Guardiola’s family, they allege that there was a ten-minute gap between the shooting and when EMTs were called to provide aid to Guardiola, who was still alive at the time. Guardiola's family also allege that she did not point her service weapon at Kadien and that her gun went off only when she was defensively covering her face and reaching for her weapon because Kadien had begun shooting at her.
Kiwi
Herring, 30



August 22, 2017
St. Louis, MO
Kiwi Herring, a 30-year-old transgender mother of three, was shot and killed by police in St. Louis, Missouri. Police were responding to a report alleging that Herring had stabbed a neighbor earlier that day. Police claim that Herring had a knife and slashed an officer, and although the officer's wound was “not that serious," officers then shot and killed Herring. Herring’s sister-in-law stated that Herring was harassed by her neighbor and felt threatened due to her neighbor's homophobic and transphobic harassment. Herring's sister-in-law also claimed that Herring was acting in self-defense after her neighbor had punched her. The police misgendered Herring in their initial announcements. The names of the two officers who shot Herring have not been released.
Robin
White, 50



May 10, 2017
St. Louis, MO
Robin White, a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with bone cancer, was shot and killed on May 10th, 2017 by St. Louis Police officers. The police arrived at her home after receiving a report alleging that White was firing a gun into the air. Police ordered White to put down her gun and when she did not comply, they shot and killed her. She did not fire at the police. Her family later concluded that she had been having a mental breakdown related to her battle with bone cancer. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kim
Doreen Chase, 52



April 20, 2017
Baltimore, MD
Kim Doreen Chase, a 52-years-old woman, died in police custody on April 20th, 2017. Chase had been wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court. After her arrest, Chase was found in medical distress in her jail cell which led to an altercation with several police officers. She was then hospitalized and remained in critical condition for days until she passed away in the hospital. While the Baltimore Police Department did not disclose what happened in the interaction between Chase and the officers (despite the officers having had body-cam footage), two officers were put on administrative duty and one lieutenant office was suspended. Results from the autopsy have not been made public.
Alteria
Woods, 21



March 19, 2017
Gifford, FL
Alteria Woods, a 21-year-old woman, was shot and killed on March 19th, 2017 by Indian River County SWAT team members during a shootout between law enforcement, her boyfriend and his father in Gifford, Florida. Police allege that Woods’ boyfriend, a sheriff, was using her as a human shield when she was shot and killed. Woods was shot ten times, struck in both the head and chest. No charges were brought against the three deputies. Instead, Woods’ boyfriend Andrew Coffee IV was charged with her death. In 2021, Woods's mother, Yolanda Woods, filed a lawsuit in federal court against three law enforcement officers involved in the drug raid. The suit states the officers used flash bangs and “fired indiscriminately” into the home after the target of the probe – Andrew Coffee III, father of Andrew Coffee IV – was already detained.
Elena "Ebbie" Mondragon, 16



March 14, 2017
Hayward, CA
Elena “Ebbie” Mondragon, a pregnant 16-year-old girl, was killed in her vehicle by two Fremont detectives following an attempted arrest on March 14, 2017. The Fremont detectives were pursuing Mondragon and her friends as alleged robbery suspects and they had opened fire inside the vehicle after previously holding the teenagers at gunpoint. The DA declined to prosecute the officers, ruling that the shooting was justified. instead, one of Mondragon’s friend is being charged with “vehicular manslaughter” resulting from her death. Mondragon's family brought an excessive force and wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Fremont and, as of 2020, a judge rejected the city's attempt to have the case dismissed.
Morgan
London Rankins, 30



February 22, 2017
Austin, TX
Morgan London Rankins, a 30-year-old graduate of Huston-Tillotson University and a cancer survivor, was shot and killed on February 22, 2017, by Austin Police Officer Benjamin Rogers after a car chase in which she allegedly attempted to hit Officer Rogers with her car. Officer Rogers claims that Rankins emerged from her car holding a knife, prompting him to shoot Rankins three times. However, Police transcripts indicated that Rogers had already pulled his gun before seeing Rankins come out of the car. Officer Rogers was not charged.
Michelle
Lee Shirley, 39



October 31, 2016
Torrance, CA
Michelle Lee Shirley, a 39-year old mother, was shot and killed by Torrance Police on October 31, 2016, in Torrance, California. Shirley was shot multiple times in her car at a gas station as police responded to alleged “erratic and reckless” driving. Police claim she had crashed her car into cruiser vehicles, which they say had warranted their response to shooting her. Her family said she suffered from bipolar disorder, which sometimes manifested as delusions. Shirley had talked openly about her mental illness, and her family said she had never been violent or used drugs.
Renee
Davis, 23



October 21, 2016
Muckleshoot Reservation, WA
Renee Davis, 23, and 5 months pregnant, was at home on the Muckleshoot Reservation when she was killed by deputees who came to do a welfare check after she had expressed suicidal ideation to her boyfriend on the phone. According to the complaint and evidence produced at a King County coroner’s inquest, the officers pounded on the front door, entered the home and kicked down the door to Davis’ bedroom home while her children, ages 2 and 3, stood in the hallway. The deputies said Davis pointed a handgun at them while lying in bed, but the lawsuit alleged there was no evidence for that outside of the deputies’ “self-serving” statements. The two officers fired a total of eight rounds, striking Davis three times in the abdomen, chest and leg. In 2021, King County has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family.
Deborah
Danner, 66



October 18, 2016
Bronx, NY
Deborah Danner, a 66-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia, was fatally shot on October 18th, 2016 by NYPD in her home in the Bronx. A neighbor called 911 requesting a mental health wellness check, reporting that Deborah was exhibiting erratic behavior. Police had visited Danner before and were aware of her mental health diagnosis. According to the police, she was allegedly armed first with a pair of scissors and then a baseball bat, prompting them to shoot her, however, according to the EMT at the scene, she had put down the scissors and never picked up a baseball bat. Four years after Danner was killed NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio, who said he was outraged by her killing, announced a pilot program that would have EMS mental health officials from the New York Fire Department take the lead in responding to mental health calls.
Korryn
Gaines, 23



August 1, 2016
Baltimore, MD
Korryn Gaines, a 23-year-old mother, was killed by Baltimore County Police on August 1, 2016, in Randallstown, MD after police entered her home regarding a traffic violation charge. Gaines said the traffic stop violation had been traumatic and had ultimately led to the miscarriage of her twins. She recorded the interaction in her apartment and posted some of it live on social media. The standoff between Gaines and police ultimately lasted six hours and ended when officers alleged that Gaines pointed her gun at the officers, prompting them to fire at her out of fear for their own and her son’s lives. She died in her own home. Her five-year-old son, who she was holding at the time she was shot, was injured but survived. Prosecutors ruled the shooting justified and no officers were charged. A jury awarded Gaines' family a $38 million settlement. That award was overturned by a judge but reinstated on appeal.
 
Jessica
Nelson-Williams, 29



May 19, 2016
San Francisco, CA
Jessica Williams, also known as Jessica Leanne Nelson, a 29-year-old mother of five, was fatally shot by Sergeant Justin Erb in San Francisco. Police suspected Williams of driving a stolen car and Sergeant Erb. According to police, after crashing into a utility pole Williams reversed the car and then began to drive slowly in the direction of Sergeant Erb, which is when he shot and killed her. Earlier accounts state that Williams did not attempt to drive in the direction of Erb. Williams' killing prompted the resignation of Police Chief Greg Suhr at the request of Mayor Ed Lee. had driven off as Sergeant Erb and a fellow officer were attempting to question her for allegedly stealing a car. In a move that was criticized by the Public Defender's Office, the San Francisco District Attorney declined to file criminal charges against Sergeant Erb, stating that he was not under a legal duty to retreat and it was thus immaterial whether he could have moved out of the way of Williams' car. A Department of Police Accountability report concluded that Erb “used lethal force at a time when Ms. Williams’ vehicle was not threatening him with imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury." The report found that Erb acted unreasonably and the Department of Police Accountability recommended his termination. After negotiations with Erb's lawyer, the Police Commission approved a 45-day suspension and 18-month probationary period for Erb.
Symone
Marshall, 22



May 10, 2016
Huntsville, TX
Symone Marshall, a 22-year-old mother, died in custody while being detained in a Huntsville jail. Marshall was held on $5,000 bond after being accused of possession of a controlled substance and giving a false name to officers. She had been detained for two weeks when she suffered a seizure in her cell and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. According to her family, Marshall asked officers for medical attention, citing that her head hurt and that she frequently blacked out, but was neglected by the officers. Marshall’s sister states that Marshall “consistently begged to be taken to a hospital,” in the days before her death. Jail officials had taken Marshall to see a nurse and a doctor but had not taken her to a hospital.
Deresha Armstrong, 26



May 5, 2016
Orlando, FL
Sahlah Ridgeway, 32-years-old, was shot and killed on February 12th, 2016 by a Syracuse police officer responding to a drug-related call. One officer entered the front of her apartment building, while the other the back. According to the police report, Ridgeway allegedly confronted the officer at the front of the building while holding a shotgun. When the officer commanded Ridgeway to drop her weapon, she refused, prompting him to shoot her. Ridgeway had no drugs on her and was not implicated in the drug dealing complaint. In 2019, Ridgeway’s mother tried to sue the city of Syracuse but her claim of wrongful death was denied.
Kisha
Arrone, 35



April 17, 2016
Dayton, OH
Kisha Arrone, a 35-year-old woman, was fatally shot on April 17th, 2016, by three police officers in Dayton, Ohio. Police were called in response to a domestic dispute between Arrone and her partner. According to the police report, Arrone held a gun to her partner’s head and threatened to kill her, and then attempted to flee in a pickup truck. Once the police deflated her tires with spike strips, she allegedly got out of the car while holding a gun to her own head. Afterward, Arrone allegedly fired the gun into the air and walked towards her partner who was standing amongst a group of bystanders. After Arrone refused to drop her gun, police shot her. Officers and news sources have made an effort to highlight Arrone’s previous criminal record, citing robbery, assault, and illegal weapon acquisition.
Laronda
Sweatt, 40



April 6, 2016
Gallatin, TN
Laronda Sweatt, a 40-year-old mother who suffered from bipolar disorder, was fatally shot twice in the chest on April 6th, 2016 by police in Gallatin, TN. Deputy Gary Pickard was sent to Sweatt’s home to serve her with an eviction notice. When served, Sweatt allegedly became combative and injured Officer Pickard in the abdomen with an ax. Officer Pickard then called for backup, to which Officer James Spray responded. When Sweatt approached Officer Spray, he fired his fatal shots. Ultimately, Officer Spray was placed on administrative leave. Sweatt’s daughter recalls Sweatt as “the best mother.” She said that in addition to being medicated for bipolar disorder, her mother was unemployed and lived on disability payments.
Wakiesha
Wilson, 36



March 27, 2016
Los Angeles, CA
Wakiesha Wilson, a 36-year-old woman, died in police custody on March 27, 2016. Authorities said that LAPD officers arrested Wilson the day before after she was accused of punching a patient at a downtown hospital. Wilson had checked herself into the hospital earlier complaining of back and chest pain. Throughout the booking process, Wilson told officers and the jail’s medical staff that she had mental health issues and took antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, according to a report from prosecutors made public. She denied having suicidal thoughts or wanting to hurt herself, the report said. The next day, Wilson seemed relaxed and was smiling, a detention officer told investigators. When it came time to move the inmates to a different cell block, officers decided to keep Wilson alone in her cell. About 35 minutes later, a detention officer spotted her on the floor. Allegedly, Wilson had tied her shirt around the cord of a wall-mounted telephone and hanged herself. Wilson’s mother, Lisa Hines, has repeatedly rejected the idea that Wilson died by suicide, saying her daughter was upbeat when they talked on the phone shortly before her death. The Los Angeles City Council agreed to pay up to $298,000 to settle the lawsuit.
India
M. Beaty, 25



March 19, 2016
Norfolk, VA
India Beaty, a 25-year-old aspiring rapper, was shot and killed on March 19th 2016 by two Norfolk police officers after she allegedly gestured a gun at them. The officers encountered Beaty arguing with a man in a strip mall parking lot at 1:20 am, and they claimed that Beaty pulled out a handgun and threatened the unarmed man. According to the police report, Beaty allegedly ignored verbal commands to drop the gun, and when she made “a threatening motion” with the gun, prompting the two officers fired her in self-defense. The weapon was later determined as a fake firearm; Beaty was an aspiring rapper who went by “Lbeezygotti” and was active in the local art scene - her fake gun was the one used in her 2015 music video “Neva Looking Back.” The two officers were placed on administrative leave, and their names are still unreleased.
Kisha
Michael, 31



February 21, 2016
Inglewood, CA
Kisha Michael, a 31-year-old woman, was shot and killed by police and SWAT team members while on a date with Marquintan Sandlin in Inglewood, California on February 21st, 2016. Michael and Sandlin were allegedly unconscious inside a Chevy when they were awoken after officers flashed lights in their eyes, blasted a siren, bumped their vehicle with a patrol car, and used a public address system to tell the couple to put their hands in the air. Sandlin allegedly drove into the police vehicles and reached toward Michael’s lap, which prompted officers to shoot two rounds with his shotgun. In total, Sandlin was shot twice, and Michael thirteen times. The five Inglewood officers — Sean Reidy, Richard Parcella, Michael Jaen, Andrew Cohen, and Jason Cantrell— were fired and eventually sued the city in 2018, claiming they were discriminated against because they are white. Inglewood has agreed to pay $8.6 million to settle a lawsuit by the families of Sandlin and Michael.
India
Cummings, 27



February 21, 2016
Buffalo, NY
India Cummings called 911 to her Lackawanna home for a mental health emergency on February 1, 2016. In an acute mental health crisis, Cummings reportedly carjacked a vehicle, led police on a chase and crashed into several cars. She was combative during her arrest, and police violently forced her out of the car and onto the ground. Based on the nature of the call and Cummings' behavior, the report found she should have been evaluated at a hospital before being jailed, but she was not. The medical review board indicated that officers broke her arm during the arrest but did not give her medical attention. Cummings was left uncared for in the Erie County Holding Center for weeks, during which she displayed unhealthy and degrading mental and physical behavior that warranted medical attention. It wasn't until she suffered a cardiac arrest on February 17, that she was transported to the hospital where she died on February 21, due to complications from a broken arm including rhabdomyolysis. Cummings' family has sued 73 Erie County sheriff's employees in 2019.
Sahlah
Ridgeway, 32



February 12, 2016
Syracuse, NY
Sahlah Ridgeway, 32-years-old, was shot and killed on February 12th, 2016 by a Syracuse police officer responding to a drug-related call. One officer entered the front of her apartment building, while the other the back. According to the police report, Ridgeway allegedly confronted the officer at the front of the building while holding a shotgun. When the officer commanded Ridgeway to drop her weapon, she refused, prompting him to shoot her. Ridgeway had no drugs on her and was not implicated in the drug dealing complaint. In 2019, Ridgeway’s mother tried to sue the city of Syracuse but her claim of wrongful death was denied.
Janet
Wilson, 31



January 27, 2016
Dearborn, MI
Janet Wilson, a 31-year-old woman, was shot and killed on January 27th, 2016 by police officers in Dearborn, MI. Officers arrived at the Fairlane Mall in response to disturbance calls. According to the police report, Wilson made aggressive and sexual remarks towards an employee then left the store after security was called. When the Fairlane Mall security approached Wilson and asked her to leave the mall immediately, Wilson allegedly began to argue and behaved in a disorderly manner. When two officers arrived, they claim that Wilson was attempting to drive into the security guards and did not comply with the officer's demands to stop driving. Officers claim that Wilson attempted to drive into an officer who tried to block off her car. In response, he shot three bullets into her vehicle. Wilson was incapacitated from being shot, however, her foot remained on the gas pedal of the car, and her car rifted until impact. No charges were issued against the two police officers involved. The City agreed to a $1.25 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by Wilson’s family.
Gynnya
McMillen, 16



January 11, 2016
Shelbyville, KY
Gynnya McMillen, a 16-year-old girl, died in Lincoln Village Juvenile Treatment and Detention Center on January 11th, 2016. McMillen was staying at her mother’s apartment complex when the two started to argue. Around 1:30 a.m., her mother called 911 to complain that Gynnya had gotten physical and hit her. Police officers arrived at the apartment, arrested Gynnya for a domestic-violence related offense, and took her to Lincoln Village Juvenile Treatment and Detention Center, a state-run facility 70 miles away. When Gynnya refused to remove her sweatshirt during the booking process, several staffers immobilized her via an Aikido-style restraint. Approximately 28 hours later, Gynnya was found dead in the cell where she’d been detained. An autopsy found Gynnya died in her sleep from a rare heart condition known as sudden cardiac arrhythmia. But a state internal investigation also faulted six employees for failing to do regular bed checks and for falsifying departmental logs.
Bettie
Jones, 55



December 26, 2015
Chicago, IL
Bettie Jones, a 55-year-old churchgoing grandmother, was fatally shot on December 26th, 2015 by police in Chicago. Jones was shot alongside her 19-year-old neighbor Quintonio LeGrier, by Officer Robert Rialmo who was responding to a domestic disturbance call. Jones was standing in a stairway behind LeGrier trying to deescalate the situation when she was shot once in the chest at point blank range. According to the police report, Officer Rialmo alleges that he opened fire because LeGrier was swinging a baseball bat. In total, Officer Rialmo fired eight shots. Nearly four years after the shooting, the police board finally fired Officer Rialmo. Jones' family was awarded $16 million after much resistance from police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
Barbara
Dawson, 57



December 21, 2015
Blountstown, FL
Barbara Dawson, a 57-year-old woman died in police custody in Blountstown, Florida on December 21st, 2015. Dawson was experiencing difficulty breathing and went to Calhoun Liberty Hospital seeking treatment. Hospital staff called police to emergency room when Dawson, who had been discharged by physicians, refused to leave. She was charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing and was escorted out of the hospital in handcuffs. Dawson collapsed as she arrived at the officer’s car and was readmitted to the emergency room, where she was pronounced dead an hour later. Barbara was in custody of Officer John Tadlock at the time of her collapse. The Florida State Medical Examiner ruled that she died from natural causes due to a blood clot in her lung. The blood clot was due to Dawson being excessively overweight, officials said. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle dismissed a majority of the lawsuit filed in 2016 by Frances R. Scott, the personal representative of Dawson's estate. In 2017, the family of Barbara Dawson reached a $200,000 settlement with Calhoun-Liberty Hospital and two of its employees.
Marquesha McMillan, 21



October 26, 2015
Washington, D.C.
Marquesha McMillan, a 21-year-old woman, was shot and killed by police on October 26th, 2015 in a Washington D.C parking lot outside a liquor store in the early hours of the morning. Police claimed that McMillan fired at them first, after they responded to an alleged armed robbery at a liquor store involving McMillan and another man. Police recovered the .380-semiautomatic weapon during a the robbery. Her family disputed allegations that a five-foot McMillan would rob the store or shoot at police. On October 31, 2016, the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office completed their investigation of the five police officers involved and concluded that there was “insufficient evidence” to pursue federal civil rights charges or local D.C. charges against them. Federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers used excessive force under the circumstances.
India
Kager, 27



September 5, 2015
Virginia Beach, VA
India Kager, a 27-year-old post office worker and Navy veteran, was killed by Virginia Beach police with her four-month-old child in the backseat. On September 5, 2015, India Kager and Angelo Perry drove to Virginia Beach to introduce their 4-month-old baby Roman, to Angelo’s family. Unbeknownst to them, SWAT officers planned a vehicle takedown procedure against Perry. While India, Angelo, and Roman were parked at 7/11, a SWAT team threw a flash-bang grenade and shots were exchanged. 4 officers fired over 51 rifle rounds into India’s car, while baby Roman sat in the back seat, killing Angelo and India within seconds.  Kager’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit named four officers; the jury decided two of them should be held responsible, awarding $800,000 to India Kager’s family. The jury found officers Kyle Ziemer and Steven Ferreira – whose rounds were recovered from Kager's body – liable in her death, and cleared officers Dana Roys and James Thorson. 
Redel
Jones, 30



August 12, 2015
Baldwin Hills, CA
Redel Jones, a 30-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed by police officers in Baldwin Hills, California on August 12th, 2015. Police allege that Jones refused to put down a large knife despite orders from officers and instead moved closer to Officer Ramirez, which prompted the fatal shooting. According to the investigation, police claim that Jones fit the description of a robbery suspect at a nearby pharmacy. However, an LA Times account by a witness questioned why police opened fire when Jones was running away from the officers, never turning towards them.
Raynette
Turner, 42



July 27, 2015
Mount Vernon, NY
Raynette Turner, a 42-year-old mother of eight, was found dead in a Mount Vernon jail cell on July 27th, 2015, just two days after she was taken into custody on charges of shoplifting. She was arrested for allegedly stealing from a wholesale food store. Shortly after her arrest on July 25th, she told authorities that she was suffering from multiple medical problems, including hypertension and issues following bariatric surgery. She was taken to an area hospital and released to authorities the following day. When officers went to retrieve her for a court appearance the next day, she was found unresponsive in her cell and pronounced dead on the same Monday, July 27th 2015 at 3:08 PM. "Sounds like a cover-up to me," said Turner husband of 23 years, "If they [Mount Vernon police] did their job she would still be alive."
Ralkina
Jones, 37



July 26, 2015
Cleveland Heights, OH
Ralkina Jones, a 37-year-old mother died in police custody on July 26th, 2015. Jones allegedly started smashing her ex-husband’s car with a tire iron in the parking lot of a local Cleveland Heights Save-a-Lot. According to the police, she allegedly turned on her ex and struck him on the arm, got into her vehicle, and drove away with her twelve-year-old daughter in the back. She was arrested on charges of assault, domestic violence, endangering a child and criminal mischief and taken to jail. She had been given a prescription medication for her heart condition at the jail, but on Saturday evening it was noted that Ralkina appeared to be lethargic so she was taken to a hospital. She was returned to prison the same day around 10:40 pm. At 12:45 am, paramedics checked her vitals and reported everything as normal. Around 7:30 am on Sunday, she was found unresponsive in her cell bed. Records indicate that her ex-husband declined to prosecute. In 2018, a settlement was reached between the city and the family of Ralkina Jones. After her death, officials admit there is a discrepancy in terms of how many times she was given her medicine, which indicates that she may have been improperly medicated by authorities while incarcerated.
Joyce
Curnell, 50



July 22, 2015
Charleston, SC
Joyce Curnell, a 50-year-old mother, died in police custody on July 22nd, 2015, at the Charleston County Detention Center in South Carolina. Prior to her death, Curnell checked herself into Roper St. Francis Hospital after experiencing nausea and vomiting. Curnell’s children arrived at the hospital with their mother and talked to the physicians to see if there was a way for Curnell to be placed in an alcohol treatment plan. When they were informed that there was no way to force Curnell to be treated for alcoholism, Curnell's son called 911 to tell them she had an open warrant and was at the hospital. Her son hoped that she would sober up while in police custody. She was taken into custody, being found “unresponsive in her bed” a few hours later. Her family argues that her death was preventable, caused by a lack of proper care at the jail.
Kindra
Chapman, 18



July 14, 2015
Homewood, AL
Kindra Chapman, an 18-year-old woman, was found hanging in a Homewood jail cell after being arrested on July 14th, 2015, on a charge of first-degree robbery. According to the police report, Chapman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The police believe she used a bed sheet to hang herself. However, this description of events has been met with skepticism, as Kathy Brady—Chapman’s mother—states that she was not notified of her daughter’s death after police had found Chapman. Police officials claim that they have jail surveillance footage featuring Chapman’s suicide that was released to the legal counsel representing her family.
Sandra
Bland, 28



March 28, 2015
Hempstead, TX
Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old woman, died in police custody in Hempstead, Texas on July 13th, 205 after she was pulled over for failing to signal a lane change. Video footage of her arrest shows that Bland was pinned to the ground and surrounded by police officers. Bland was driving from Illinois to start her new job in Texas when the state trooper, Brian Encinia, drew his stun gun and commanded, “I will light you up, Get out. Now.” After, Bland was heard questioning the officers about why they had slammed her head to the ground, and complaining that she could not hear. Officers charged her with assault and held her in the Waller County Jail. Three days later, Bland was found dead, hanging, in her cell. Officials maintain that her death was a suicide, but Bland’s friends and family members adamantly reject this explanation and suspect foul play. After Bland’s personal iPhone video was released, it contradicted Encinia’s claim that he “feared for his safety” during the traffic stop. Encinia, as a result, was charged for perjury and permanently banned by law enforcement. In September 2016, Bland's mother settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the county jail and police department for $1.9 million and some procedural changes.
Alexia
Christian, 26



April 30, 2015
Atlanta, GA
Alexia Christian, a 26-year-old mother, was fatally shot ten times on April 30th, 2015 by police officers in Atlanta, Georgia. Officers Jeffery Cook and Omar Thyme responded to calls reporting that Christian had stolen a truck. According to the police report by Atlanta Police Chief George Turner, Christian was “fully handcuffed” when she was placed in the rear of the patrol car, but somehow “she was able to remove one of her hands” and “produced” a .380 pistol, which was assumed to be in the patrol car before her arrest. Christian allegedly fired three shots that were missed. In response, Officers Cook and Thyme jumped out of their squad car to shoot her. According to standard operating procedures, Atlanta police usually have a video recorder in the back seat, but in Christian’s case, it was turned off. Both officers were not charged with her murder.
Mya
Hall, 27



March 30, 2015
Fort Meade, MD
Mya Hall, a 27-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed on March 30th, 2015 by National Security Agency (NSA) police in Fort Meade, Maryland. Hall was allegedly driving a stolen car when she took a wrong turn onto NSA property. Hall was shot to death by officers after the car crashed into the security gate and a police cruiser. No effort to use nonlethal force was made even though there was no direct threat to the facility and no one in the vehicle was armed. Friends remembered Hall as a kind and caring woman struggling to make ends meet in the face of entrenched structural discrimination against Black transgender women.
Monique
Jenee Deckard, 43



March 8, 2015
Anaheim, CA
Monique Jenee Deckard, a 43-years-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia, was fatally shot on March 8th, 2015 by police officers in Anaheim, California who were responding to a call reporting Deckard for stabbing and superficially wounding a stranger in a nearby laundromat. Deckard's brother made sure to call the police to inform the dispatcher of his sister’s mental health diagnosis, however, the dispatcher and department sergeant never relayed the information to the responding officers. According to the police report, Deckard ran towards the officers with two knives, screaming “kill me!” This occurred after Deckard became aggravated at the arrival of the cops who shouted for her to come outside. The officers also called for a helicopter as a backup. As a settlement for a wrongful-death lawsuit, Deckard’s family received $189,000 (only ¼ of the original desired amount).
Janisha
Fonville, 20



February 18, 2015
Charlotte, NC
Janisha Fonville, a 20-year-old woman, was shot to death on February 18th, 2015 by a Charlotte, North Carolina police officer responding to a domestic violence complaint involving Fonville and her girlfriend. The officer, who had previously been involved in questionable shootings, such as the murder of Michael Laney in 2012, claimed that Fonville lunged at him with a knife. Her girlfriend, the only other person on the scene, maintains that Fonville was over six feet away from officers, and stood a mere five feet tall, posing no direct threat to the officer who shot her. Neighbors questioned why officers could not have used nonlethal force to subdue her.
Natasha
McKenna, 37



February 8, 2015
Fairfax, VA
Natasha McKenna, a 37-year-old woman who suffered from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, died in the hospital on February 8th, 2015, several days after she was tased by officers in Virginia's Fairfax County Jail. McKenna was restrained with handcuffs, leg shackles, and a hood when a sheriff’s deputy shocked her with a taser four times. Officers allege she was being uncooperative, which led them to restrain and shock her. Within minutes of being shocked McKenna stopped breathing. When her mother visited her in the hospital, her body was covered in bruises, both of her eyes were blackened, and one of her fingers was missing. Some of McKenna's final words were "you promised you wouldn't kill me."
Yuvette Henderson, 38



February 3, 2015
Oakland, CA
Yuvette Henderson, a 38-years-old mother of four, was killed on February 3rd, 2015 when two Emeryville police officers shot her after responding to allegations of shoplifting. Store security said the suspect appeared to be armed and had suffered a head injury, requesting an ambulance. The suspect, Henderson, was pursued by the police officers, who shot her with several weapons, including an AR-15 assault rifle. According to police, Henderson pointed a gun in the direction of the EPD officers. Evidence gathered by her family's attorney, however, indicated that the officers were under no threat at all when they fired at Henderson.
Tanisha
Anderson, 37



November 13, 2014
Cleveland, OH
Tanisha Anderson, 37 years old, was killed by Cleveland Police outside of her home on November 13, 2014. Police were called to help during a nonviolent mental health crisis at Tanisha's home. After escalating the situation, police attempted to arrest Tanisha. When she panicked and tried exiting the police vehicle, police jumped on her. One officer kneeled on Tanisha's back, eventually killing her. Tanisha's family was held at gunpoint as Tanisha lay dying on the ground, calling for help. Tanisha's body was left exposed on the cold ground. A grand jury cleared the officers of all wrongdoing. Only one officer was suspended for 10 days and one was given a written warning.
 
Aura
Rosser, 40



November 9, 2014
Ann Arbor, MI
Aura Rosser, a 40-year-old woman, was fatally shot by two officers of the Ann Arbor Police Department during a domestic violence incident on November 9, 2014. Officers claim that Rosser was attacking her boyfriend Victor Stephens and proceeded towards Officers David Ried and Mark Raab. In response, Raab deployed his taser while Ried shot Rosser in the chest. According to a memo released by the prosecutor’s office, Ried was justified in drawing his sidearm because his partner Raab pulled out his taser, since “the law of self-defense does not require that the least harmful means be employed.” That same memo eerily writes, “Ms. Rosser’s death, although tragic, was justifiable homicide.”
Sheneque
Proctor, 18 



November 2, 2014
Bessemer, AL
Sheneque Proctor, an 18-year-old mother, died in police custody on November 2, 2014 in Bessemer, AL. Proctor was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to the Bessemer City Jail. Proctor —who suffered from asthma— called her mother from the jail and indicated that the police had treated her roughly. Even though Proctor informed the police she was ill, they ignored her requests for medical attention. She was found dead in her cell the next morning. Her cell was videotaped during the entire period, but the police department has refused to release the footage to her family. Proctor was the mother of an infant boy. The involved jail corrections officer, Karrie Goodwin, won a lawsuit against Proctor’s family who have since filed an appeal.
Iretha
Lilly, 37



October 6, 2014
McLennan County, TX
Iretha Lilly, a 37-year-old woman, died in police custody on October 6, 2014. Lilly was arrested and jailed after testing positive for multiple drugs during sentencing on a shoplifting charge. She became upset at the judge, who identified her as a flight risk, and in response, three deputies subdued her using a Taser. Lilly was taken to jail and booked, but she did not have a mugshot taken because she was “uncooperative” with deputies. She complained of chest pains while in a cell by herself at about 6 pm, and medical staff performed an EKG on her. Officials claim she was monitored every 15 minutes until she was found unresponsive just after 7 pm. She was then taken by ambulance to the Providence Health Center where she was pronounced dead.
Tracy Ann
Oglesby Wade, 39



October 1, 2014
Louisville, KY
Tracy Wade, a 39-year-old woman, died on October 1, 2014 after being shot by Louisville Metro police during a SWAT team standoff. U.S. Marshals were dispatched to Wade’s house to serve a felony warrant and according to police, Wade barricaded herself in her home with an 18-month-old child and a gun. The standoff between Wade and the police turned violent when Wade allegedly pointed a gun at police after agreeing to exit the home. A SWAT team shot at Wade multiple times and she later died from her wounds at a nearby hospital. The officers involved in the shooting, Sgt. Paul Humphrey, Sgt. Eric Culver, Officer Brad Harris, and Detective Michael Simpson were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Latandra
Ellington, 36
 


October 1, 2014
Ocala, FL
Latandra Ellington, a 36-year-old woman incarcerated at Lowell Correctional Institution died on October 1, 2014. Ellington was found dead ten days after, writing a letter to her aunt detailing how a Lowell corrections officer, Patrick Quercioli, had repeatedly threatened to beat and kill her. She had seen Officer Quercioli having sex with an inmate and Quercioli threatened her when she vowed to report it. The medical examiner found no evidence of trauma indicative of a beating, but the toxicology tests showed that Ellington had a potentially toxic level of blood pressure medication in her system. Ellington’s family sued the Florida State Prison after the investigation into Ellington’s death was closed.
 
Michelle
Cusseaux, 50



August 14, 2014
Phoenix, AZ
Michelle Cusseaux, a 50-year-old was shot and killed in her own home on August 14, 2014 by Sergeant Percy Durpa with the Phoenix Police Department. Durpa was one of multiple Phoenix police officers who were responding to a call for a mental health wellness check. The officers arrived unannounced and with their guns drawn. After Cusseaux refused to let the police in her home, Sergeant Percy Durpa pried open the locked security door, and saw Cussauex holding a hammer, which she was using along with other tools to change the locks in her home. Almost immediately Sgt. Dupra shot Cusseaux, claiming he felt threatened. aimed that he felt threatened even though Cusseaux made no threats. Sgt. Dupra was demoted the following year following an internal review showing that his actions did not comply with department policy. Cusseaux struggled with depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but had no violent history.
Angela Beatrice Randolph, 38



June 7, 2014
Glen Burnie, MD
Angela Beatrice Randolph, a 38-year-old homeless woman, was shot and killed on June 7, 2014 by Tracey Turpin, a Maryland Transit Administration officer. According to a witness, Randolph was yelling at other transit riders, and Officer Turpin was flagged down to intervene. Turpin asked Randolph for identification leading to a physical altercation. During the altercation, Turpin shot Randolph in the upper leg and Randolph later died from her injuries. Employees of a local homeless resource center indicated that Randolph was homeless and may have been dealing with mental health issues without much support. Turpin remains on the MTA Police force.
Pearlie
Golden, 93
 


May 6, 2014
Hearne, TX
Pearlie Golden, a 93-year-old woman, was shot and killed on May 6th, 2014, by Stephen Stern, an officer with the Hearn Police Department. Officer Stern was responding to a call from Golden's nephew claiming she was waving a gun and upset because he had taken her car keys after she failed a driving test. When Officer Stern arrived and saw Golden brandishing a gun he fired multiple rounds at her, hitting her at least twice. Four days later he was fired from the police department. Golden was the second Black resident Stern killed in his first two years on the job. A grand jury failed to indict him for killing Golden.
Nimali
Henry, 19



April 1, 2014
Chalmette, LA
Nimali Henry, a 19-year-old and new mother, died in police custody on April 1st, 2014. Henry was arrested on a minor charge, and she couldn’t afford the $25,000 bail. Nimali Henry endured over ten torturous days of neglect and abuse while incarcerated at the St. Bernard Parish Prison. She directly informed multiple guards of her dire need for medical treatment (she had a rare blood disorder and other medical conditions). Those pleas were ignored. Instead of taking her to the hospital, or giving her the medication she needed to save her life, the guards mocked her, belittled her, and ignored her desperate cries for help. The guards also dragged her nearly lifeless body across the jail twice to throw her into isolation cells so she wouldn’t be a distraction to the other inmates. The last time they discarded her, she fell face-first, naked and limp, on the cold, hard floor. Many inmates reported having to muffle the agonizing sounds. Nimali Henry finally succumbed on April 1st, 2014. She was found in that same position: face-down, naked and cold. She left behind a 5-month-old daughter, Nilijah, and devastated family and friends. Four of the guards were charged with lying to the FBI and civil rights violations under color of law. The two male guards, Andre Dominick and Timothy Williams, pleaded guilty to the civil rights charges. One female guard, Debra Bencnel, got a deal and only pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. The other female guard was given a deal and pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and misprision of a felony. Sentencing has been delayed several times, with the latest being Covid-related.
Yvette
Smith, 47



February 16, 2014
Anderson, TX
Yvette Smith, a 47-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed in her home on February 16, 2014, by police responding to a domestic disturbance complaint that Smith had called in because two men in the household were fighting. Smith opened the door for the officers and was shot almost immediately in the head and the stomach by Daniel Willis, a deputy in the Bastrop County Police Department. Deputy Willis used his personal AR-15 to kill Smith and falsely alleged that Smith had a gun, before retracting that claim the following day. Willis was indicted for murder but his trial ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked 8-4 in favor of guilty. In a subsequent bench trial, a judge acquitted Willis. Willis had been rejected for jobs by other law enforcement agencies for reasons including failing a psychological exam. In 2015, Bastrop County settled a civil lawsuit brought by Smith’s family for a reported $1.2 million.
Ariel
Levy, 62
 


February 4, 2014
Hayward, CA
Ariel Levy, a 62-year-old mother, was shot and killed on February 4, 2014 by police in Hayward, California. Levy called 911 several times angry about recent police interactions. Police were dispatched to her home for a welfare check and had been told that Levy may be struggling with depression. Police allege that Levy displayed a handgun and did not put it down when ordered to do so. As Levy exited her home, a Hayward officer fired at her five or six times. Levy later died at a nearby hospital and the handgun she displayed was revealed to be a replica. Levy’s son filed a wrongful death lawsuit, arguing that the police should have used less lethal force to subdue her. The lawsuit also states that Levy was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder and that officers knew they were responding to a mental health call before arriving at her home.
Sharon Rebecca McDowell, 49



December 20, 2013
Anderson, SC
Sharon Rebecca McDowell, a 49-year-old woman, was shot and killed by police in Anderson, SC on December 20th, 2013, after being accused of shoplifting. South Carolina officers chased McDowell from a Kohl’s Department Store and when the chase ended, the officers held McDowell at gunpoint and demanded she complies with arrest. McDowell allegedly failed to comply and after an officer smashed a baton in her window, McDowell drove off again. Officers at the scene claimed that McDowell “tried to run them over,” prompting them to fatally shoot McDowell. The bodycam footage does not show the events leading up to McDowell’s death. The Anderson Police Department’s investigation concluded that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the officers. McDowell’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Anderson Police.
Angelique
Styles, 60



October 24, 2013
Chicago, IL
Angelique Styles, 60-years-old, was shot and killed on October 24th, 213 by Chicago Police officers. Police were called by Styles' brother and claimed that she was acting “belligerently” when they arrived. Officers allege that Styles began to lunge at them with a butcher knife and refused to put it down, prompting one officer to shoot her. Styles was pronounced dead at the hospital. One of her neighbors said that Styles was distraught over the recent passing of her mother and nephew; her siblings claim that Styles may have been under the influence of narcotics.
Miriam
Carey, 34
 


October 3, 2013
Washington, DC
Miriam Carey, a 34-year-old dental hygienist, was shot and killed by officers with the U.S. Capitol Police and U.S. Secret Service on October 3rd, 2013. Secret Service officers claimed they approached Carey's car and demanded she stop at a White House checkpoint site but she refused to do so. Carey’s family and attorney claim that the official report shows that the altercation started when an undercover agent moved a large object into Carey’s path, and she swerved to avoid him, hitting a barricade instead. Out of fear, Carey began to flee the scene and grew frantic as officers chased. Two officers fired nine rounds at her, hitting her five times, all from behind. Carey's 18-mont-old child was in the car with her when Secret Service and Capitol Police officers began firing. Carey's family members share that she had postpartum depression. No charges have been filed against the unidentified officers.
Kyam
Livingston, 37 



July 21, 2013
Brooklyn, NY
Kyam Livingston, a 37-year-old mother of two, died in police custody on July 21st, 2013. NYPD lefts Livingston in a holding cell after they arrested her for fighting with her grandmother. While in custody, Livingston complained of cramps and diarrhea, but officers ignored her pleas for help, and those of people held in the cell with her, for hours. After Livingston spent 20 hours in the cell, police finally called for medical assistance when they claimed to notice that she was suffering from “apparent seizures.” She was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. A medical examiner found that the cause of death was an alcohol-induced seizure. In 2013, Livingston’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NYPD, claiming that the holding cell was filled with feces and otherwise extremely unsanitary.
Kourtney
Hahn, 21



May 15, 2013
Clintonville, OH
Kourtney Hahn, a 21-year-old woman was shot and killed on May 15th, 2013 by Clintonville Officers Ross, Andrews, Salsgiver, Daugherty and Haller. Hahn was driving with Emmanuel Gatewood in the passenger seat when police began following the vehicle after suspicions that Gatewood was involved in a murder. Police report that during the “slow chase,” shots were fired from the back of Hahn's car and officers returned fire amounting to more than 200 rounds. More police joined the escalating chase and once Hahn's vehicle lost control, officers surrounded the car and fired a dozen rounds, killing Hahn and Gatewood. Police claim that they had no idea that Hahn, who had no criminal record, was driving the vehicle. All seven officers involved were cleared of charges.
Kayla
Moore, 41
 


February 12, 2013
Berkeley, CA
Kayla Moore, a 41-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in her home on February 12, 2013, by Berkeley police officers responding to a request for a mental health check. Instead of escorting Moore to a medical facility as requested, the responding officers attempted to arrest her on a warrant for a man with Moore’s birth name 20 years older. Several officers overpowered and restrained Moore on a futon in her own bedroom. While Moore was restrained, her heart stopped and officers delayed monitoring her vital signs, referred to her using transgender slurs, and failed to administer adequate life-saving treatment. Moore’s body was also exposed during and after the police assault. Two lawsuits were filed against the city and dismissed.
Barbara
Lassere, 60



January 24, 2013
LaPlace, LA
Barbara Lassere, a 62-year-old woman, was shot and killed on January 24th, 213 by a sheriff’s deputy, Steven Daley, after allegedly refusing to comply during a minor traffic infraction. Police allege that Lassere did not exit her vehicle when officers pulled her over for a broken headlight, prompting police to pursue her on a “slow chase” to her home. With Lassere parked in her driveway, Deputy Sheriff Daley ordered Lassere to exit the vehicle. Police allege that instead, Lassere shot at him and Daley fired back at Lassere, killing her. Police claim that Lassere’s weapon was recovered from the scene; her family argues that she was not known to carry a gun and was afraid of police. In 2015, a New Orleans federal jury awarded $250,000 of $500,000 after ruling that Lassere was 50% responsible for her own death.
Linda
Sue Davis, 60
 


January 9, 2013
Tamarac, FL
Linda Sue Davis, a 60-year-old mother, diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe depression, was shot and killed on January 9th, 2013 by Florida Police Deputy Vincent Ciacciarelli. Ciacciarelli reported to a call alleging that Davis had killed a neighbor across the street. Police confronted Davis upon arrival, ordering her to drop her gun. Police claim that Davis refused to drop the weapon, prompting Ciacciarelli to shoot and kill her. Davis’ daughter has argued that the use of force was unjustified but Ciacciarelli has not been criminally charged.
Yolanda
Thomas, 34
 


January 4, 2013
Westwood Lakes, FL
Yolanda Thomas, a 34-year-old woman, was shot and killed by police after allegedly stealing from a drugstore and fleeing. Police say about 2:30 p.m. Friday, officers responded to a report of a theft in progress. Police said Xavier Tyrell Johnson and Yolanda Thomas tried to escape in a car, but Thomas, who was driving, lost control and crashed into a barricade. At that point, officers exited their vehicle and approached the suspect’s vehicle. Thomas allegedly uses the vehicle to strike an officer, and the police opened fire. Thomas died on the scene. Johnson was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Shelly
Frey, 27



December 6, 2012
Houston, TX
Shelly Frey, a 27-year-old woman, was shot and killed on December 6th, 2012 by Houston Police attempting to arrest Frey and her friend who were suspected to be shoplifting from a Walmart. Off-duty sheriff and Houston minister, Louis Campell attempted and failed to stop Frey and her friend from exiting the store, and when they drove away, Campbell fired shots at the car, hitting Fry in the neck twice. Campbell later claimed that he fired shots in self-defense because the driver had attempted to run him over. Neither the police nor the car's driver sought medical attention for Frey. Her body was left in the car for eight hours.
Darnesha
Harris, 17
 


December 2, 2012
Breaux Bridge, LA
Danesha Harris, a 17-year-old girl, was shot and killed on December 2nd, 2012, by police responding to reports of a "disturbance." Upon their arrival, police claimed that Harris struck them with her car and then reversed into another car, striking a pedestrian. Witnesses say that Harris was then shot twice, once in the head, by Officer Travis Guillot while her hands were up. The state of Louisiana ordered an investigation, but a 2013 Grand Jury failed to indict the involved officer, Officer Guillot, who had a history of improper treatment and misconduct.
Malissa
Williams, 30
 


November 29, 2012
Cleveland, OH
Malissa Williams, a 30-year-old, was shot and killed on November 29th, 2012 during a police car chase where she was a passenger. Williams' boyfriend Timothy Russel was driving and pursued by 30 patrol cars when an officer reported that a gun was shot in his direction from the car. What was assumed to be the noise of a gunshot was actually Russell's car backfiring. Officers blocked the vehicle, causing Russell to ram into a patrol car and allegedly drive towards an officer. Thirteen officers fired 137 rounds striking Russell 23 times and Malissa 24 times. No gun was found in the vehicle. Officer Michael Brelo, who climbed up onto the hood of the car and fired several rounds at Russell and Williams, was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted when a judge ruled that he “acted reasonably” in climbing onto the hood of the car.
Erica
Collins, 26


October 13, 2012
Cincinnati, OH
Erica Collins, a 26-year-old was shot and killed on October 13th, 2012 after calling 911 to report that her sister was attempting to break into her apartment. Officer Matthew Latzy alleges that Collins ran out of the apartment and headed towards her sister’s car, allegedly attempting to slash the tire. Officer Latzy then removed his firearm and ordered Collins to drop the knife. When Collins did not comply, Officer Latzy shot her twice. Collins died at the scene. Cincinnati Police declared that the officer’s actions were justifiable self-defense. The Collins’ family filed a lawsuit against the city of Cincinnati and Latzy for wrongful death.
Alesia
Thomas, 35
 


July 22, 2012
Los Angeles, CA
Alesia Thomas, a 35-year-old woman was killed on July 22nd, 2012 by LA police responding to reports of child endangerment. Thomas was arrested by Officer O’Callaghan who handcuffed Alesia and assaulted her, striking her multiple times in the crotch, throat, and abdomen after Thomas expressed that she could not breathe or move. After assaulting her, the officer smoked a cigarette and remarked "that ain't a good sign" when Alesia fell unconscious. Thomas shortly died at the hospital after the assault. Los Angeles Police initially claimed that Thomas died due to high levels of cocaine in her system. The cause of death was listed as undetermined. Officer O’Callaghan was ultimately charged for assaulting Thomas and sentenced to three years, 20 months of which were suspended. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to pay $2.5 million to settle a lawsuit with her children.
Shantel
Davis, 23 



June 14, 2012
New York, NY
Shantel Davis, a 23-year-old, was shot and killed on June 14th, 2012 by two plainclothes officers in Brooklyn. Ms. Davis was unarmed and allegedly driving a stolen car erratically through Brooklyn, inciting a police chase resulting in Davis crashing into a minivan. While trying to escape, officers surrounded her car and attempted to control the vehicle by reaching inside. According to officers, during this attempt, detective Phil Atkins shot Davis in the chest. Davis died on her way to the hospital. The officers involved in the shooting had previous violent encounters with civilians. As of fiscal year 2018, Atkins was employed by NYPD.
Sharmel
Edwards, 49



April 21, 2012
Las Vegas, NV
Sharmel Edwards, a 39-year-old woman was shot and killed on April 21, 2012 by Las Vegas police who were responding to calls of a stolen car. A man reported to police that Edwards stole his Cadillac, and that he kept a gun in the center console. Police following the vehicle until Edwards stopped at a bar and officers ordered her to exit Cadillac. According to police, after a 30 minute standoff, Edwards stepped out of the car with a gun in her hands and pointed it at officers. Five police officers, Melvyn English, Todd Edwards, Truong Thai, Matthew Cook and Christopher Grivas, shot Edwards multiple times and she died at the scene. While some reports claim that witnesses saw Edwards point a gun, other witnesses have come forward stating that Edwards did not point any gun at officers. The District Attorney’s office ultimately ruled that the officers’ actions were justified. No officers have been charged in her death.
Rekia
Boyd, 22
 

March 21, 2012
Chicago, IL
Rekia Boyd, a 22-year-old woman was shot and killed on March 21st, 2012 in Chicago by an off-duty police officer. Boyd was walking through a park when officer Dante Servin pulled up alongside Boyd and her friends, ordering that they “keep the noise down.” Officer Servin alleges that a member of the group pulled out a gun and after an exchange of words, Servin shot at the group five times from his car, killing Boyd. Witnesses claimed that what Servin had assumed to be a gun was actually a cell phone. No weapon was ever recovered from the scene. Officer Servin was demoted to desk duty and a civilian-led hearing was filed for his termination from the Chicago Police Department. He resigned from Chicago Police in 2016 before the hearing that would have likely resulted in his firing. Boyd's family was eventually awarded $4.5 million from the city of Chicago but Servin has never been criminally charged.
Shereese
Francis, 30
 


March 15, 2012
Queens, NY
Shereese Francis, a 30-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia was pronounced dead upon arrival at Jamaica Hospital, in Queens, NY, after an altercation with police on March 15, 2012. Francis' family called for an ambulance when she became emotionally distraught following an argument with her mother. Francis was not taking her medication at the time. Four police officers arrived at their home and tried to convince Francis to go to the hospital, but she refused. The officers reported that she was uncooperative and lunged at them. In response, all four officers pinned her down and attempted to handcuff her. Francis stopped breathing during this altercation, and the hospital pronounced her dead shortly afterward. The coroner’s report concluded Francis had died due to the “compression of [her] trunk during agitated violent behavior.” Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, and according to a report published by Vacarro & White, Attorneys at Law, the family was awarded $1.1 million in a wrongful death lawsuit. The family is also working to pass legislation, The Shereese Francis Act that would mandate the NYPD be banned from engaging with anyone with mental health issues without a qualified psychiatrist. All four officers involved in Ms. Francis' death are still active members of the force.
Jameela
Barnette, 56



December 25, 2011
Marietta, GA
Jameela Barnette, a 53-year-old woman was shot and killed on Christmas Day in Marietta, Georgia by police officers responding to panic alarms. Barnette allegedly answered the door with a knife and handgun and after a short battle with police, was shot to death. Jameela had been accused of sending hoax packages and threatening messages to two Republican New York lawmakers, Representative Peter King and State Senator Greg Ball due to their sentiments on American Muslims. The Cobb County officer was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, but no charges have been brought forth since 2011.
Yvonne
McNeal, 57

 

October 1, 2011
New York City, NY
Yvonne McNeal, a 57-year-old homeless and disabled, lesbian activist who worked with Queers for Economic Justice, was shot and killed on October 1st, 2011 by New York City police outside of a center for homeless women suffering from mental illness or addiction. Officers say that they approached McNeal after she allegedly engaged in an altercation with another woman. Police claim McNeal was holding two knives which she refused to drop and lunged at them, prompting the officers to fire at her. Activists dispute these claims as McNeal was known to be nonviolent and also used a cane. McNeal’s sister reported on social media that McNeal was shot 14 times. As of 2015, McNeal’s family had not received a certificate of death nor a statement explaining the cause of death.
Anna
Brown, 29
 


September 21, 2011
Richmond Heights, MO
Anna Brown, a 29-year-old mother of two, died in police custody on September 21st, 2011, after the hospital where she sought medical attention had her arrested. Brown, who was homeless, was experiencing severe pain in her legs and went to two hospitals hoping to get help. Doctors at one of the hospitals called the police after they discharged Brown, accusing her of trespassing. She told police that she could not walk on her legs, so she was dragged into the station by her arms. Brown died on the floor of a jail cell when the clots in her legs broke loose, lodged in her lungs and suffocated her. Officers reported that the doctors suspected Brown to be a drug seeker and police suspected that Brown was using drugs. However, no drugs were found in her system. Brown’s mother filed a lawsuit against the jail, the hospitals, and the doctors involved. The lawsuit was settled at $568,750 from the city.
Denise
Gay, 56



September 5, 2011
New York City, NY
Denise Gay, a 56-year-old grandmother and retired home health aide, was shot and killed in New York City on September 5th, 2011. Ms. Gay was sitting on her stoop when she was struck by a bullet from a crossfire between officers and two men. One of the men fired at police and the eight officers involved fired a total of 73 shots. Ms. Gay's daughter initially claimed that one of the men fired the shot that killed her mother; however, forensic evidence shows that the bullet that hit Gay did not come from his gun. Gay’s daughter later revealed that police held her at a precinct for 12 hours attempting to get this testimony. The man who died on the scene did not have a gun on him, suggesting that Gay was killed by police. One eyewitness corroborates this, pointing out that some of the officers could not see Gay as they shot. Police refused to take responsibility, claiming that ballistic tests show that the bullet was too damaged for them to determine its origin. Gay’s daughter’s lawyer stated that this claim was contradicted by the NYPD’s firearms discharge review report from the Civilian Complaint Review Board. According to this report, the bullet could not be matched to any of the guns at the scene except for one carried by one of the officers. Gay's daughter filed a lawsuit against the city, which was settled at $100,000.
Catawaba
Howard, 32

 

August 12, 2011
Miami-Dade, FL
Catawba Howard, a 32-year-old veteran of the Air Force and Army Reserves was shot and killed by police in Miami-Dade, FL on August 12, 2011 in the midst of what appeared to be a mental health crisis. Someone called 911 to report that Howard was making threats to herself and others. When police arrived, she allegedly began to fire at the officers, striking one of them (who was wearing a bulletproof vest and did not sustain serious injuries). The police and Howard exchanged gunfire. According to Howard’s family, she suffered from mental health issues. A family friend reported that Howard sought help the night before at the Jackson Memorial Hospital crisis center and then at the Veteran’s Administration, which she left before being admitted. Another witness who did not know Howard claims that he was offered money by a woman matching Howard’s description to kill her hours before the shooting. The witness stated that he drove the woman to the crisis center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The officers involved were cleared of wrongdoing.
Talia
Barnes, 29


 
July 3, 2011
Erie, PA
Talia Barnes, a 29-year-old mother of eight, died in custody on July 3rd, 2011, in Erie, PA two days after she was arrested by police. Barnes was arrested on July 1st and taken to the Erie police station where she was tased multiple times causing her to collapse. Barnes died two days later in the hospital, and according to the coroner’s report, Barnes died from a lethal combination of drugs; however, the report fails to mention that she was stunned with a taser by police. Barnes’ family filed a lawsuit against the police department and the taser maker company claiming that the police’s use of the taser led to Barnes’ death.
Armetta
Foster, 30



May 21, 2011
Bradley County, TN
Armetta Foster, a 30-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed by police in front of her children on May 21st, 2011, as she walked along an interstate. The encounter between Foster and the officer started as a wellness check, during which Foster told the officer that her car had broken down and that she was waiting for someone to pick her up. The officer then insisted that she and her children get off the highway, and tried to persuade Foster and her children to get in the patrol car by opening the side door. According to police, Foster charged the officer with a knife. The officer claims that he ran in front of his vehicle when Foster allegedly got in the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away. The officer then shot her at least eight times, firing a total of 13-14 shots. Foster’s children provide a different account for their mother’s killing. Her daughter claims that Foster had a knife but she never used it and that the officer shot her after she jumped on his back and he shook her off. The officer was cleared of wrongdoing and was fired for unrelated reasons months later. Foster’s father filed a lawsuit against the officer, which was settled at $900,000.
Brenda
Williams, 57

 

April 27, 2011
Watts, CA
Brenda Williams, a 57-year-old mother and grandmother diagnosed with loss of hearing and various mental health conditions, was shot and killed outside of her Watts, CA home by police on April 27th, 2011. Officers arrived at Williams’ home in response to reports that she fired shots at her daughter and grandchildren. Police say that they told Williams to drop her gun. When she allegedly pointed it at a neighbor across the street, the officers shot her. Williams’ daughter said that she told the officers that her mother was deaf and that everyone on the family’s block knew that Williams was deaf. She added that she told officers not to kill her mother and simply asked for their help in taking Williams’ weapon away from her. Police did not initially confirm broadcast reports that Williams was deaf and said that whether one is deaf “does not play a big part” in situations like this one.
Derrinesha
Clay, 17


 
March 14, 2011
Lansing, MI
Derrinesha Clay, a 17-year-old, was shot and killed on March 14, 2011 by police responding to an alarm at a Lansing, MI Bank of America. Five officers arrived and searched the bank finding Clay, who had entered through a broken window, hiding in a storage closet with a pair of scissors in her hand. The police were able to take the scissors away from Clay but two officers claim that she then pulled a knife out of her coat. Police allege that she engaged in a struggle with one of the officers, which prompted Officer Brian Rendon to shoot her as she was on her knees, and then again in the head. The officers’ accounts differ on whether Clay resisted once she was shot the first time in her stomach, after which the officer shot her again. Officer Brian Rendon, was cleared of all charges. An appeals court ruled 2 to 1 he had qualified immunity. Clay’s mother unsuccessfully filed a lawsuit against Rendon and the city of Lansing. All counts against the city were dismissed in 2015 and counts against Rendon were dismissed a year later.
Carolyn
Moran-Hernandez, 46


February 14, 2011
Lakewood, WA
Carolyn Moran-Hernandez, a 46-year-old mother of five, was shot and killed on February 14th, 2011 outside of her Lakewood, WA home by police following a domestic dispute call made by her partner. Upon the officers’ arrival, Moran-Hernandez exited her home unarmed. She was in distress and told the officers to shoot her. Moran-Hernandez then went back inside her home, where her daughter was, and came back with a BB gun. She refused to put down the BB gun, which officers perceived as a real gun, prompting them to shoot her a total of nine times. Police had responded to domestic disputes at Moran-Hernandez's home twice before and Moran-Hernandez had previously been reported to be suicidal and had overdosed on sleeping pills.
Gwendolyn
Killings, 39

 

December 29, 2010
San Leandro, CA
Gwendolyn Killings, a 39-year-old mother, was shot and killed during a police stop in San Leandro, CA on December 29th, 2010. Earlier in the day, police allegedly received reports that the vehicle Killings was driving had been stolen by her and her passenger. Officers claim that they engaged in a car chase with Killings, which ended with her vehicle crashing into a parked car. Police then allegedly told Killings to stop revving the car engine and fired 8-9 times into the vehicle once she failed to do so. This narrative was disputed by Killings’ daughter in a lawsuit she filed against the city and the two officers. Killings’ daughter claims that her mother was unconscious or immobilized when she was shot and that, therefore, she posed no threat to the officers. The officers were initially placed on administrative leave but were cleared of wrongdoing following the lawsuit.
Ciara
Lee, 20


 
December 16, 2010
Houston, TX
Ciara Lee, a 20-year-old woman was shot and killed on December 16th, 2010, by police following a 911 call accusing her of robbery. A man called 911 claiming that Lee and another individual robbed him. He then followed the two and directed the officers to their location outside of an apartment complex. Officers allege that Lee was pointing a gun at them and refusing to drop it, prompting them to shoot her. However, one witness reported that Lee was running away from the officer and that he immediately shot her without giving her time to stop. In addition, the witness, who clearly spotted the officer’s gun, did not see Lee holding a gun. The officer who shot Lee was initially put on administrative leave but was allowed to return to work. 
Letha
Coretta Adams, 38



October 1, 2010
Muskogee, OK
Letha Coretta Adams, a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia, was shot and killed on October 1st, 2010, by police outside of her mother’s home. Two officers responded to a domestic disturbance call made by Adams’ mother, where she claimed that her daughter was in distress and had broken into her house. Police and witness accounts claim that Adams began struggling with one of the officers when he tried to remove her from the residence. One officer then claimed that Adams was reaching for his gun, which led the other officers to shoot her. The alleged altercation and the shooting were not captured by the cameras on the officers’ vehicles. No charges were ever filed against the officers.
Arika
Hainesworth, 24

 

July 11, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA
Arika Hainesworth, a 24-year-old mother, was shot and killed on July 11th, 2010, after being caught in a crossfire between police and the three men who were attempting to rob her home. Hainesworth called 911 to report the men, and Hainesworth told the officers that the robbers held her 8-year-old son at gunpoint to extort money out of her. Four officers then arrived at the scene and fired their weapons at the three men, who made their way upstairs to retreat from the officers. Hainesworth was shot and killed outside of the building in the midst of the shooting. Police claim that Hainesworth’s autopsy suggests that gunshots fired by the three men were responsible for her killing due to their angle of impact. The three men were charged and convicted. 
Aiyana
Stanley-Jones, 7


 
May 16, 2010
Detroit, MI
Aiyana Mo’Nay Stanley Jones, a 7-year-old girl, was killed by Detroit police on May 16th, 2010 while asleep in her grandmother’s home. Police conducted a raid to execute a warrant against Stanley-Jones’ uncle. The officers lobbed a flashbang grenade into the home before entering and Stanley-Jones’ blanket caught on fire from the grenade. Seconds later, an officer shot her in the head. The officer claimed that Stanley-Jones’ grandmother attempted to wrestle him and reach for his gun, claims that other officers disputed. Her grandmother later stated that she was trying to protect her granddaughter, who was asleep on the couch, during the raid. The officers then proceeded to arrest Stanley-Jones’ grandmother and did not provide medical assistance to Stanley-Jones. The officer responsible for shooting Stanley-Jones was tried twice and cleared of all charges, most recently in January 2015. He returned to work in April 2015. Stanley-Jones’ family reached a settlement with the city of Detroit for $8.5 million in 2019.
Sukeba
Jackson-Olawunmi, 40



May 15, 2010
Atlanta, GA
Sukeba Jackson-Olawunmi, 40-years-old, was tased to death on May 15th, 2010 by DeKalb County police after crashing a stolen car. Bystanders called 911 claiming that Jackson-Olawunmi attempted to carjack several people. Upon their arrival, police claim that Jackson-Olawunmi was not compliant and became combative, prompting them to tase her. Jackson-Olawunmi became unresponsive after the second jolt; her death was marked the second killing by taser conducted by DeKalb County police in the span of five days. Jackson-Olawunmi’s cocaine intake and her blood pressure medication were blamed for her death and “cocaine-induced delirium” was ruled to be her cause of death. Officers were cleared of all wrongdoing.
Ahjah
Dixon, 23

 
March 4, 2010
Corsicana, TX
Ahjah Dixon, a 23-year-old Navarro College student died in police custody at the Navarro County jail on March 4th, 2010. Dixon was arrested following a warrant issued for suspicion of drug and alcohol use in her dormitory the previous night. According to police, Dixon was initially placed in a holding cell with three other individuals. Dixon allegedly asked to get some fresh air and water, which police claim to have given her. Video footage shows police taking Dixon from the cell where she is walking without assistance. Police then claim that Dixon had a seizure and was taken to the emergency room, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy report revealed that Dixon was beaten before her death but no explanation was provided by police for these injuries. Her family has repeatedly asked for and has never received pictures from the autopsy as well as video footage of Dixon right before her death.
Linda
Hicks, 62


 
December 14, 2009
Toledo, OH
Linda Hicks, a 62-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression, and a heart condition, was shot and killed on December 14th, 2009, in the adult home she resided at by Toledo police. Two officers responded to a 911 call by Hicks’ caregiver, who claimed that Hicks was holding scissors and endangering the lives of her and other residents. The officers entered Hicks’ bedroom, and according to them, she hid her hands under her pillow and refused to show them to the officers. The officers attempted to tase her when the taser malfunctioned. They claim that Hicks lunged at them with the scissors, prompting one of them to shot her four times. The officer who shot Hicks was cleared of all criminal charges on claims of self-defense. Hicks’ family filed a lawsuit against the officers involved, the city, the police department, and the adult home. The family claims that the incident was avoidable as the home failed to give Hicks the right medication and gave her access to scissors; the officers did not have to resort to lethal force. The lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge in 2012.
Sarah
Riggins, 49



October 23, 2009
Albany, GA
Sarah Riggins, a 49-years-old mother, was shot and killed on October 23rd, 2009 by Albany, GA police outside of her home following a 911 call made by her boyfriend reporting a domestic dispute. Police alleged that Riggins exited her home holding a gun and a knife and proceeded to fire at the officers, which led one of them to fatally shoot her. Witnesses at the scene dispute the police’s claims, saying that Riggins had her hands up and that one of the officers fired at her again after she fell to the ground. Riggins’ son stated that this alleged behavior was extremely unlikely for his mother and his family currently struggles to find answers to their questions. The officer who killed Riggins was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Katherine
Hysaw, 32


 
September 9, 2009
Phoenix, AZ
Katherine Hysaw, a 32-year-old woman, was fatally shot on September 9th, 2009 by Phoenix police. Police broke into Hysaw's home in response to a 911 call reporting a woman threatening her neighbors with a butcher knife at an apartment complex. According to one officer, Hysaw barricaded herself inside her home and officers broke through her door once they smelled natural gas. Police claimed that Hysaw threw beer bottles at them and struck an officer repeatedly in the chest with the knife. The officer’s ballistic vest and neck protector deflected the blade and the officer did not endure wounds. According to the officers, they tried using a taser, which missed, and fired two sage rounds without effect. One officer then fired his rifle twice, killing Hysaw. Officers were cleared of wrongdoing and police stated that the killing was justified.
Martina
Brown, 58


 
July 21, 2009
Jersey City, NJ
Martina Brown, a 58-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia was experiencing a mental health crisis after not taking her medications, was shot and killed on July 21st, 2009 when officers broke into her Jersey City home. Brown’s husband called 911 reporting a domestic dispute in hopes of getting mental health support for Brown. He asked that an ambulance be sent to their home, but police officers arrived instead because of reports that Brown was holding a knife. Police kept Brown’s husband from intervening and tackled him to the ground and handcuffed him when he tried to prevent them from putting tape over his apartment’s peephole, which he knew would only aggravate Brown. Police then broke down Brown’s door and claim that they were unable to control her because she was still allegedly holding the knife, using it to attack the officers. Police then shot Brown six times. Brown’s husband claims that officers could have easily avoided shooting his wife, who was 5-feet-2-inches. Officers were cleared of wrongdoing upon claims of self-defense.
Amanda
Anderson, 22



July 16, 2009
Jersey City, NJ
Amanda Anderson, a 22-year-old aspiring nurse, was shot and killed alongside her husband in Jersey City during a police raid in her home on July 16th, 2009. Anderson and her husband were involved in an armed robbery that took place in Jersey City a month prior to their death, during which Anderson’s husband fatally shot an unnamed individual. A month after the robbery, police set up a stakeout outside Anderson’s apartment. While moving their car to a different parking spot outside of their home, the couple saw officers approaching and Anderson’s husband fired shots at them. The two then ran upstairs to their apartment, where Anderson was shot and killed by the officers. She did not fire shots any at the officers and had no criminal record. The officers were praised and not held accountable for Anderson’s killing. 
Tiraneka
Jenkins, 26


 
July 14, 2009
Charleston, SC
Tiraneka Jenkins, 26-years-old, was shot on July 10th, 2009, by police outside of a bar in Charleston, SC. Police reported to the bar after receiving reports of a domestic dispute. Officer Christopher Simmons fired at Jenkins after she refused to drop a gun she was holding. Jenkins died at the hospital days later. There is no public information about a lawsuit or investigation.
Yvette
Williams, 15


 
June 4, 2009
Rock Hill, SC
Yvette Williams, a 15-year-old girl, was shot 11 times and killed in Rock Hill, SC by two police officers responding to a 911 call about an alleged armed robbery. When the officers arrived on the scene, they assumed that Williams was armed with a deadly weapon and fired at her, but she was holding a BB gun. The officers proceeded to shoot Williams even after she fell to the ground, claiming that she reached for her BB gun a second time. Police claim that video footage of the encounter absolves the officers of any wrongdoing as it displays Williams pointing the BB gun at the officers. The video and the 911 call were never released to the media. Witness accounts of the encounter offer varying versions of Williams’ killing: some say that the officers did not need to fire their weapons and all agree that the officers shot Williams first. There was no lawsuit filed and the officers involved were never disciplined.
Brenda
Williams, 52



May 28, 2009
Scranton, PA
Brenda Williams, a 52-year-old woman diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, was shot and killed in her home on May 28th, 2009, by police. Four police officers were responding to a neighbor's complaint that Williams was harassing her and her fiancé. One of the officers involved had received a similar call regarding Williams two days earlier and was aware that she struggled with her mental health and was possibly not taking her medication. Police say that they arrived at the home and determined that Williams was not a threat to herself or others and proceeded to write up a citation for disorderly conduct instead. The officers then claim Williams emerged from her kitchen holding a knife and advanced towards one of them, prompting three officers to shoot at Williams five times. All four officers were cleared of wrongdoing. 
Barbara
Stewart, 47


 
March 24, 2009
Biddeford, ME
Barbara Stewart, a 47-year-old was shot and killed in her home on March 24th, 2009 by Biddeford Police. Stewart was in distress she called 911 reporting that she was going to hurt herself or someone else. Three officers reported to the house and found Stewart on the sidewalk holding what they alleged to be a gun. Officers claim that Stewart refused to drop her weapon, prompting them to shoot her three times with Officer Jeffrey Green firing the fatal shot. Further investigation revealed that Stewart’s weapon was a BB-pellet handgun and that she left a suicide note inside her home before she was murdered. The encounter between the officers and Stewart was recorded by a camera in one of the officers’ cruisers. The Attorney General found Stewart's killing justifiable and the officers were not disciplined.
Duanna
Johnson, 43


 
November 10, 2008
Memphis, TN
Duanna Johnson, a 43-year-old transgender woman, was shot and killed on November 10th, 2008, by Memphis Police. Johnson had been turned away from jobs, drug treatment, and every shelter in the city due to her identity, and months earlier was profiled and arrested for prostitution as she walked down the street one night, even though there was no alleged client and no documented exchange of money for sex. Booking Officer Bridges McRae called her “faggot” and “he-she”. When she refused to answer to the slurs, McRae put on gloves, wrapped a pair of handcuffs around his knuckles, and savagely beat her while Officer James Swain held her down. Officer McRae then pepper-sprayed her, pushed her to the floor, and handcuffed her. Security video captured the entire incident. McCrae was federally prosecuted, pleaded to a single count of violating Johnson’s civil rights after a mistrial, and sentenced to two years in prison for both Johnson’s beating and tax evasion. Investigators investigating her murder say three men were seen at the scene before the police.
Tameika
Jordan, 51



August 9, 2008
Norfolk, VA
Tameika Antionette "Meka" Jordan, a 17-year-old, was shot and killed by on August 9th, 2008, by Norfolk, VA Police Officers responding calls of a domestic dispute. First, two shots were fired inside Jordan's apartment and later, officers fired a dozen rounds of police tear gas inside the home to force Jordan outside. Jordan eventually exited the apartment, unarmed and with her hands on her head. When Tameika moved away from the open door, the officer shot off nine shots in three seconds from his M4 semi- automatic rifle, eventually killing her. Tameika’s mother, a witness to the incident, disputed the police report.
Lori
Jean Ellis, 52


 
April 21, 2008
Cassatt, SC
Lori Jean Ellis, a 52-year-old woman, was in her home on April 21st, 2008, when three officers broke in and fatally shot her. The three officers were executing a bench warrant against Ellis for failure to appear in court for an open-container violation. The officers rode a mostly unmarked Department of Natural Resources truck around the back of her home, maced her dog, and ripped open her back door after allegedly calling her name multiple times. Two of the officers then fired three shots at Ellis, alleging that she shot a high-powered rifle at them. Further investigations revealed that the rifle that Ellis allegedly fired was a BB gun and no fingerprints were detected on it. In addition, the officers’ accounts were strikingly inconsistent with the evidence found at the scene. In 2013, Kershaw county paid $2 million in settlement to Ellis’ estate but all three officers were cleared of wrongdoing and never disciplined.
LaToya
Grier, 22


 
April 1, 2008
Jacksonville, FL
LaToya Grier, a 22-year-old woman, was shot multiple times on April 1st, 2008, by Officer C. L Tremaroli when a traffic stop ended in a gun battle between the two. LaToya was already detained and being escorted to the police vehicle when the police officer alleged that LaToya had shot at him. The Officer then fired seven shots at Grier, and she was pronounced dead at Shands Jacksonville hospital.
Anita
Gay, 51



February 16, 2008
Berkeley, CA
Anita Gay, a 51-year-old mother of six and grandmother of three, was shot and killed on February 16th, 2008 in Berkeley, CA by Officer Rashawn Cummings of the BPD Drug Task Force. Police officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance. Neighbors who witnessed the exchange stated that Gay was not threatening the officer when she was shot twice. At least one witness said the officer fired his gun three times. Gay died at the scene. An investigation of the shooting took place and cleared the officer of wrongdoing.
Tarika
Wilson, 26


 
January 4, 2008
Lima, OH
Tarika Wilson, a 26-year-old mother was shot and killed on January 4th, 2008 in Lima, Ohio by SWAT officers conducting a raid in her home. Police entered Wilson’s home in search of Wilson’s boyfriend—a suspected drug dealer. Moments after entering her home, a police officer opened fire on Wilson and her 14-month-old son, killing her and wounding her baby. Wilson was not involved in the illicit drug trade. Sergeant Joe Chavalia, who killed Wilson, was acquitted of two misdemeanors: negligent homicide and negligent assault. Wilson’s family received a $2.5 million wrongful death settlement.
Elaine
Coleman, 21


 
September 9, 2007
Hawthorne, CA
Elaine Coleman, a 21-year-old mother, was shot and killed on September 9th, 2007 by the Hawthorne Police Department responding to a domestic dispute. Elaine’s mother called the police seeking help for Coleman who was having suicidal ideations. Police officers responded and gained access to Coleman’s bedroom. Police shot her with a taser and then fired two shots killing her. Elaine’s mother pleaded with officers to not shoot Elaine but officers ignored her pleas. Elaine was shot in front of her mother and four-year-old child.
Reora
Askew, 38 



September 8, 2007
Philadelphia, PA
Reora Askew, a 38-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed on September 8th, 2007, by Officer Thomas Ohm in Norris Square Park, Philadelphia on her way to her mother’s house. According to police, officers were responding to a report of a woman - Askew - who allegedly was threatening passengers on a SEPTA bus with a butcher knife. Ohm found Askew in the park, and when she tried to walk away from him, Officer Ohm shot and killed her. Reora was shot twice in the back, once in the arm, and twice in the chest. The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the police department which eventually led to a jury trial. Before a decision was made, the police department settled with the family for $500,000.
Dorothy
Williams-Johnson, 50


 
July 15, 2007
Chicago, IL
Dorothy Williams-Johnson, a 50-year-old woman, was shot and killed on July 15th, 2007 by Chicago Police Officers responding to reports made by her landlord about a domestic violence dispute. Four police officers approached Williams-Johnson's apartment door firing multiple rounds through the door striking and killing her. Her granddaughter lived in the apartment below Williams-Johnson and witnessed several rounds going through the ceiling of her apartment.
Denise
Nicole Glasco, 24


 
June 12, 2007
Las Vegas, NV
Denise Nicole Glasco, a 24-year-old mother, was shot and killed on June 12th, 2007, in front of her son by Las Vegas Police. Police were responding to a disturbance at a Jack in the Box, as apparently a woman in the restaurant had threatened with a knife a teenager who was getting breakfast. Officers allegedly encountered Glasco and her son in the street and ordered her to stop, but she tried to get into a vehicle stopped at a red light. One officer then shot Glasco with a taser and another officer took her son. When Glasco attempted to get her son back, officers fired their tasers at her again, also using pepper spray and a bean bag shotgun. They continued and fired their guns, killing her. The shooting was found to be justified by a Clark County Coroner's Inquest jury, but her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Milisha
Thompson, 35
 

May 19, 2007
Oklahoma City, OK
Milisha Thompson, a 35-year-old homeless shelter worker, was tased to death by Oklahoma City police officers on May 19th, 2007. According to police, two officers were investigating a report of drug activity near the homeless shelter when they encountered Thompson. She allegedly ran up to the officers twice and was being disruptive. This resulted in the officers attempting to restrain her and put her into their patrol car. They tased her over twenty times, insisting later that they felt in danger. Video footage of the incident shows that Thompson was in handcuffs when they tased her. She died at the scene.
Uywanda
Peterson, 43


 
April 24, 2007
Baltimore, MD
Uywanda Peterson, a 43-year-old woman, died in police custody on April 24th, 2007, after Baltimore Police officers used a taser to strike her in the chest. Paramedics were called to the scene and gave her cardiopulmonary resuscitation and transported her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Linda
Joyce Friday, 55


 
February 12, 2007
Kansas City, MO
Linda Joyce Friday, a 55-year-old woman, was shot three times and killed on February 12th, 2007 by Kansas City police officers responding to a 911 request for an ambulance. Officers Theison and McClure were sent to Friday's address to check on her welfare, according to department policy. The officers encountered Friday’s 25-year-old son, who explained that his mother was in her bedroom and had called 911, but did not need an ambulance. As Officer McClure entered the room to question Friday, her son told Officer Theison in the hall that she had not been taking her medication. Friday was lying on her bed listening to gospel music and asked the officers to leave when Theison then entered the bedroom. According to the police, Linda Friday then became agitated and allegedly pulled out a firearm. Officer Theison then drew her firearm and shot Linda Friday once. Officer McClure then drew his firearm and shot Linda Friday twice. Linda’s son filed a lawsuit against the police department centered on whether police responded appropriately to a person known to be mentally unstable by not requesting assistance from specially trained crisis intervention officers. The lawsuit contended the officers knew about Friday’s mental state from a previous incident. In 2016, After a weeklong trial, the jury voted 9-3 to award the son of Linda Joyce Friday a judgment of $680,734.18.
Clara
Morris, 28

 

January 25, 2007
Plainview, TX
Clara Morris, a 54-year-old woman, was shot and killed by Plainview Police Department officers. Officers responded to alarms set off in an apartment in Clara’s building. When they were not able to enter the apartment, the officers called an apartment representative to let them into Clara’s apartment. Police allege Clara was holding a butcher knife when she opened the door, which she refused to drop. Officers claim they attempted to use a bean bag device to deescalate the situation. However, they allege Clara charged at them, prompting two officers to fire shots. Clara died at the scene before EMS arrived.
Kathryn
Johnston, 92


 
November 21, 2006
Atlanta, GA
Kathryn Johnston, a 92-year-old woman was shot and killed by undercover Atlanta police officers on November 21st, 2006. The officers encountered Johnston during a botched drug raid, arriving unannounced and attempting to enter Johnston's home. Johnston fired a single shot in self defense, puncturing the screen door but failing to hit any officers. In response, the officers opened fire and released 39 bullets, several of which hit Johnston. Afterward, the three Atlanta police officers tried to cover up the fact that the incident was based on an inaccurate report of drug activity in Johnston’s home. One officer planted marijuana in Johnston’s house and cocaine in the evidence file. All three officers were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 5 to 10 years for conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death. Two of the officers were further charged with voluntary manslaughter and making false statements. The city of Atlanta paid a $4.8 million settlement to Johnston’s family.
Rekha Kalawattie Budhai, 34


 
November 13, 2006
Dekalb County, GA
Rekha Kalawattie Budhai, a 34-year-old woman, was shot and killed in Dekalb County, GA after she allegedly threatens her ex-husband with a knife. Ms. Kalawattie Budhai and her husband, Mr. Rickheeram are divorced on October 25th, 2006. The judge orders Ms. Budhai to have all of her belongings out of the residence by November 8th. On November 13th, Mr. Rickheeram returned home to find Ms. Budhai’s car in the garage, and Ms. Budhai in the house fixing a bagel. Mr. Rickheeram asked Ms. Budhai what she was doing and she responded that she did not have anywhere to go. In the ensuing emotional crisis and altercation, Ms. Budhai threatens her ex-husband with a knife which prompts him to call the police. According to police, when they arrived, Ms. Budhai resisted orders to drop her knife and fled home to a neighboring residence. Ms. Budhai said she was not supposed to be [at] her husband’s house and that she was not going to jail. Ms. Budhai also told the officers she had been abused by her husband. As she still refused to drop the knife, and without using any de-escalation methods, officers shot her and she died at the scene.
Erika
Tyrone, 28

 

June 19, 2006
Houston, TX
Erika Tyrone, a 28-year old woman, was shot and killed on June 19th, 2006 by Officer Crellin. Officers were responding to a report of a robbery in progress when Officer Crellin fired his duty weapon at Tyrone causing her to fall on the floor. Tyrone was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital with a gunshot wound to the stomach. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Shatica
Fuller, 23


 
June 8, 2006
Greenwood, SC
Shatica Fuller, a 23-year-old, died a few hours after being arrested on June 8th, 2006. According to police, Fuller was taken into custody after a drug buy made by agents of the sheriff’s office and was taken to the detention center. There, officers allegedly noticed a white powder around her mouth, and before Fuller could be examined by a nurse, her heart stopped and she collapsed. Fuller died two hours later at the hospital.
Emily
Marie Delafield, 56


 
April 24, 2006
Green Cove Springs, FL
Emily Marie Delafield, a 56-year-old woman, faced a fatal encounter with Green Cove Springs police on April 24th, 2006. Police were called to address an argument between Delafield and her family. The officers argue that Delafield, who was in a wheelchair and suffered from schizophrenia, was armed with two knives and a hammer outside her house when they arrived. The officers decided to use a taser to disarm her. Minutes later she collapsed and died at Orange Park Medical Center.
Mary
Malone Jeffries, 53

 

October 1, 2005
Holly Springs, MS
Mary Malone Jeffries, a 51-year-old mother of four, died a few hours after being arrested on October 1, 2005. Police allegedly attempted to arrest Jeffries after a patrolling officer noticed her outside walking nakedly in the middle of Memphis Street near Falconer and the Holly Market. The officer called for backup and allege that Jeffries resisted arrest. Jeffries was brought to Marshall County Jail, where she reportedly refused to get out of the patrol car. Police officers asked the jailer to bring out a restraint chair. According to a testimony, Jeffries was tasered repeatedly, placed in restraint and carried into the jail. While officers were booking Jeffries, they noticed she was not doing well and she was then taken to Alliance Health Care where she was pronounced dead.
Mytia
Groomes, 34


 
July 30, 2005
Newark, NJ
Mytia Groomes, a 34-year-old woman, died in jail a few hours after being arrested on July 30, 2005. Police allege Groomes was arrested due to loitering for the purpose of prostitution. According to police records, she died of a drug overdose while in police custody; however, few details are available regarding this death.
Carolyn
Jean Daniels, 35


 
June 24, 2005
Fort Worth, TX
Carolyn Jean Daniels, a 35-year-old woman died in jail a few hours after being arrested on June 24, 2005. Daniels approached Officer Elston seeking help. Daniels advised him that some people were after her. According to the officer, Daniels appeared to be intoxicated, being that she was allegedly hard to understand as she spoke. Officer Elston told Daniels that she was under arrest and asked her to place her hands behind her back. Daniels initially complied but after allged attempts of resisting afterwards, the officer deployed his taser and shot twice at Daniels. Daniels was transported to the Ft. Worth/MLEC Jail and was released to the custody of MLEC personnel for search. A short time after Daniels was taken into the strip search room, she became unconscious and stopped breathing. Lifesaving techniques were said to have been attempted but were not successful. Daniels was transported to Harris Methodist Hospital-Ft. Worth, where she was pronounced deceased at 7:38 pm.
Shirley
Andrews, 38

 

March 3, 2005
Cincinnati, OH
Shirley Andrews, a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia died in an Ohio jail a week after being was arrested. On February 24, 2005, Andrews was arrested at a group home for mentally ill people operated by Catholic Residential Services. A caseworker dialed 911 asking for help with Andrews who was experiencing a mental health episode at the time. When officers arrived, they allegedly ordered Andrew to calm down. Officers claim she did not follow instructions and was therefore shot with three Taser rounds hitting her in the abdomen and right thigh. She was then arrested and died in custody a week later of a pulmonary embolism.
Jameela
Yasmeen Arshad, 52


 
January 10, 2005
Kenner, LA
Dr. Jameela Arshad, a 52-year-old neurologist, died in police custody on January 10, 2005. A few moments before, she was driving near Williams Boulevard and West Esplanade Avenue and stopped to help a young bicyclist who had been hit by a vehicle. Police arrived and asked for her credentials, but she said she didn't have them with her. They ordered her to step back and she allegedly shoved the officers. Then, LAPD handcuffed Arshad and put her in a patrol car. Within 10 minutes, her heart stopped and an autopsy showed that Arshad suffered a cardiac arrest. Arshad's relatives filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, arguing that she suffered "positional asphyxia" during the arrest because the officer sat on her abdomen while trying to put handcuffs on her. In 2007, Judge Jay Zainey ruled that Kenner police were not liable for the death of Arshad.
Summer
Marie Lane


 
December 6, 2004
Riverside, CA
Summer Marie Lane was shot and killed by Officer Ryan Wilson on December 6th 2004. Lane happened to be in a store at the same time a different individual, Christopher Grotness, was attempting to cash a check under a fake name. Lane exited the store before Grotness, but was confronted by Riverside Police. The police engaged in an altercation with the Grotness, when Lane allegedy attempted to escape with the suspect. During the fight, Officer Wilson shot and killed Lane, claiming his fear of Lane running him over with a car. Lane's family members filed a lawsuit against the city and Officer Ryan Wilson in 2005 after learning that the version of the facts told, which erroneous information, had been provided by the department. Initially, at a briefing before the CPRC on Dec. 22, 2004, a department representative said that Officer Wilson had been on the ground behind Lane's approaching car when he fired the fatal shots. According to two interdepartmental memos submitted, it was reported that after Grotness had stopped struggling with Officer Wilson and stood up walking behind Lane's stationary vehicle and up to her window firing three fatal shots inside from several feet away.
Annie
Holiday, 78


 
March 12, 2004
Cherokee, AL
Annie Holiday, a 78-year-old woman with a mental health diagnosis, was shot and killed on March 12, 2004, by Colbert County sheriff's deputy after being called to her home after reports of her firing her weapon while in her front yard. Holiday had gone into her house before deputies arrived, and officers tried to coax her into opening the door. Officers alleged she fired at them resulting in them firing and killing her. Holiday was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and her family says that she was a kind and loving person when she took her medication. They also say a mental health officer was due to meet with Holiday at her house one day before but never showed up.
Desseria
Whitmore, 52


 
October 25, 2003
Seattle, WA
Desseria Whitmore, a 52-year-old, who was detained over possible possession of drug paraphernalia, died in custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on October 25th, 2003. Whitmore, a longtime assistant vice president at Bank of America, was one of 27 business executives honored as youth mentors by the local YMCA's Black Achievers Program in 1996. An inquest jury confirmed that police was responsible for her death.
Adebusola
Tairu, 26

 

October 22, 2003
Culver City, CA
Adebusola Tairu, a 26-year-old, was shot and killed on October 22nd, 2003 by LAPD in Culver City, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Tereshea
Tasha Daniel, 20


 
October 15, 2003
Tulsa, OK
Tereshea Tasha Daniel, a 20-year-old woman, was shot and killed on October 15th, 2003, by undercover Tulsa Police Officer Ricardo Aguilar. Tulsa PD states that the undercover officer was on a drug-related stakeout at a shopping center when a robbery took place at a Phillips 66 gas station across the street. The officers who responded instead, shot and killed Daniel.
Denise
Michelle Washington, 30


 
August 5, 2003
Aurora, CO
30-year old Denise Michelle Washington, who had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, was shot and killed outside her apartment on August 5th, 2003 by an Aurora police officer. Washington´s father, Russell Washington left their shared apartment, but noticed that his daughter seemed to be acting strange assuming that she was not taking her medications. Washington's fathers and his cousin, returned to the apartment where Denise confronted them with a candlestick. The cousin and a female neighbor called the police and upon police arrival, Washington's father told them that his daughter attacked him and “was going crazy." As the officers went up the stairs toward the second-floor apartment, an afraid Denise Washington allegedly pushed a chair down at them. According to police, Washington was told to calm down when seen in her apartment holding what was described as a brass lamp in her right hand. Denise Washington raised the lamp over her head with both hands, and the officer opened fire, shooting her multiple times. Washington was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Alberta
Spruill, 57


 
May 16, 2003
New York, NY
Alberta Spruill, a 57-year-old, died of a heart attack on May 16th, 2003, after 12 police officers broke down her door and threw a concussion grenade into her apartment. The police were responding to misinformation about drugs and firearms inside her apartment. Spruill's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which the City settled for $1.6 million.
Kendra
James, 21


 
May 5, 2003
Portland, OR
Kendra James, a 21-year-old woman, was the passenger of a car stopped by three police officers on May 5th, 2003 when she was shot to death. The officers claimed there was an outstanding warrant for the arrest of the driver of the car, and when the driver was arrested, James moved to the driver's seat. Although James was not under arrest herself, Officer Scott McCollister began to struggle with James, attempting to remove her from the vehicle. He later claimed that he tried to use nonlethal methods to subdue James, including pepper spray, but that these methods had failed to work. McCollister held a gun to James’ head and fired a single, fatal shot. Subsequently, he claimed he shot James in self-defense because the vehicle was moving while his body was partially inside the car. He was cleared of all charges related to her death by a federal grand jury but found liable in the civil case James’ family filed against him.
Charquisa
Johnson, 23


 
April 26, 2003
Washington, D.C.
Charquisa Johnson, 23-year old mother of two, encountered a police officer on April 26th, 2003, who was responding to a call of an armed man in the same vicinity as Johnson. Upon arriving to Johnson’s residence, the officers had their weapon drawn while entering. Johnson, who stood on the stairwell, was abruptly killed by the officers alleging that Johnson posed a threat. While the officers claim Johnson brandished a weapon while walking towards them. A witness claims that Johnson was unarmed as she held her hands in the air and complied with the officers.
Nizah
Morris, 47


 
December 24, 2002
Philadelphia, PA
Nizah Morris, a 47-year-old Black transgender woman, was found injured and unconscious on December 22, 2002 a few minutes after three Philadelphia police officers gave her a ride home. One of the officers, Thomas Berry, returned to the scene where Morris was reported to be bleeding and unconscious. Rather than helping Morris or reporting that a crime had taken place, Berry covered “her face while she was still alive.” Morris was left at the scene of the crime for 40 minutes before finally being taken to a hospital where she died two days later of a severe head injury. The police claimed they had no idea what happened, but their disclaimer remains highly suspect given that evidence showed Morris had been beaten with the butt of a gun. The officers were the last ones to see her prior to the incident. Her death remains unsolved.
Tessa
Hardeman, 35


 
August 5, 2002
Atlanta, GA
Tessa Hardeman, a 35-year-old sex worker, was killed after being accosted by an undercover Atlanta Police Officer on August 5th, 2002. As Hardeman attempted to defend and protect herself she was fatally shot several times and killed by the vice officer. The officer asserted aggressive behavior while attempting to arrest her for solicitation of sex, alleging that he shot at Hardeman after she attempted to defend herself. Many of those who knew Hardeman claimed Hardeman was non-violent, timid, and shy.
Martha
Donald, 60


 
August 1, 2002
Minneapolis, MN
Martha Donald, a 60-year-old woman, was shot and killed on August 1st, 2002 by Minneapolis police. Police responded to reports of Donald being intoxicated and threatening others. It was unclear who fired their weapon first; officers alleged that Donald, who had requested to use the bathroom, had been pat-down before entering the bathroom; however, Donald’s weapon went unnoticed before she entered the bathroom. The officer responsible for the death of Donald was supposedly well trained in dealing with individuals suffering from episodes of a mental illness, yet the officer did not diffuse the situation. The officer passed away amidst the encounter.
LaVeta
Jackson, 36


 
July 2, 2002
Boston, MA
LaVeta Jackson, a 36-year-old mother of two in the process of seeking psychiatric treatment, was shot and killed on July 2nd, 2002 by three Boston Police officers. The officers were called to a scene of a reported murder and upon arrival, all officers discharged their weapons against Jackson. Prescribed to an antipsychotic medication that often made her miserable, Jackson struggled to keep up with the medication and found it difficult to maintain communication with her primary caregiver.
Sophia
King, 23


 
June 11, 2002
Austin, TX
Sophia King, a 23-year-old mother of two who severely suffered from schizophrenia, was killed by Austin Police officers on June 11, 2002, resulting in her death at the hands of two Austin police officers. King endured one of her most challenging psychotic episodes amidst a confrontational disagreement with her housing project manager. King was ruthlessly killed by Austin Police Officer John Coffey. Officer Coffey and his partner allege that King brandished a knife. King’s residential community as well as law enforcement failed to use deescalating measures to approach King. King's mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit, but Officer Coffey was cleared by a Travis County judge and resumed his position at the Austin Police Department. Coffey was later awarded Officer of the Year in 2003.
Marcella
Byrd, 57


 
January 19, 2002
Long Beach, CA
Marcella Byrd, a 57-year-old woman struggling with a schizophrenic disorder and experiencing an episodic moment on January 19th, 2002, was shot and killed by Long Beach Police. Cornered in an area by seven police officers in a busy downtown intersection after leaving a grocery store with a cartful of unpaid groceries, Byrd’s panic grew worse. After a three minute standoff with the police officers, Byrd was shot and killed. Officers claim Byrd caused the shooting upon herself by refusing to drop a knife. Byrd's daughter filed a suit against the officers involved, and they were found negligent by a jury. The jury ordered the city to pay a settlement of $170,000.
Andrea
Nicole Reedy, 32

 

July 27, 2001
Hampton, VA
Andrea Nicole Reedy, an unarmed 32-year old mother, was followed by Hampton Police officers while driving on July 27th, 2001. Officers allege that they had a warrant for her arrest for not attending one of her anger management classes or paying court costs. Officers also claim that upon approaching her, Reedy was recklessly driving. Cornered by the multiple officers with their guns drawn, Reedy was attempting to back away before being shot and killed by the officers. Reedy’s family filed a lawsuit charging the city for failing to properly train and discipline its officers or investigating citizen complaints. The Grand Jury decided not to indict the officers involved, yet suggested a psychological evaluation and therapy for the officers.
Thomasina
Brown, 44


 
May 16, 2001
Pittsburgh, PA
44-year old Thomasina Brown was allegedly in a scuffle with another individual before being shot and killed by Pittsburgh police officer, Joseph Gannon and Pittsburg Housing Authority Officer John Rouse. Both officers were called to respond to reports of noise and gunshot disturbance on May 16th, 2001. Amidst Brown's scuffle with the other individual, Officer Gannon fired twice while Officer Rouse fired three times fatally hitting Brown in her back. Reports note that both parties in the dispute initally filed multiple complainants to police officers before things escalated, yet nothing was done. Officers Gannon and Rouse were not prosecuted nor held responsible for any criminal wrongdoing.
Andrena
Kitt, 21


 
February 26, 2001
Pensacola, FL
Andrena Kitt, 21-years-old, was sitting in her car in a parking lot, when she was accosted by undercover Pensacola police officers on February 21st, 2001—an interaction that ended in her death. Officers allege that Kitt attempted to flee the parking lot and backed into one officer prompting them to shoot several rounds at her moving car. Officer Bryan Miller shot the bullet that killed Kitt, claiming that Kitt adjusted herself in what seemed to be a threatening manner. Kitt's car was seized and searched with no weapons being found. None of the officers involved were prosecuted or held accountable for the incident.
Annette
Green, 37


 
February 6, 2001
Wellston, MO
Annette Green, a 37-year-old mother of six sons, was standing on the staircase of her home taking a phone call when she was shot and killed by Officer Christopher Steib during a February 6th, 2011 raid on her home. The officers allege that Green, who was the target of an initial drug investigation, was said to be holding a deadly weapon in her hands when officers forced themselves into her home with a search warrant. No concrete evidence was found to prove that Green had broken any laws. Witnesses also claim that Green was not holding any weapon. These officers who alleged that Green did not respond to their commands to stop moving, only depended on the flashlight of their weapons to shoot at Green in her dimly lit home. Officer Christopher Steib returned to work after a grand jury concluded that Steib and his fellow officers had done nothing criminal.
Andrea
Hall, 40

 
July 25, 2000
Orlando, FL
Andrea Hall, a 40-year-old mother of 4, was shot and killed by Orlando Police Officer Christopher J. Savard, on July 25th, 2000 after being held hostage by Jamie Dean Petron in a 51-hour-standoff with her 11-month-old daughter and 8-year-old son. Officer Savard had been an eight-year veteran who had been a certified sniper for more than two years. The officer was only placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation and was eventually not charged.
LaTanya
Haggerty, 26


 
June 4, 1999
Chicago, IL
LaTanya Haggerty, a 26-year-old computer analyst, was shot by Chicago Police Officer Serena Daniels on June 4th, 1999 after the driver of the car Haggerty was a passenger in failed to comply with a police pull-over. Other officers, Officers Carl Carter, Michael Williams, and Stafford Wilson, were called to assist Officer Daniels by shooting the car's tires to control the car's movement. Haggerty was speaking on her cell phone at the time she was gunned down, yet Officer Daniels claimed Haggerty was shot after thinking Haggerty pulled a gun. No weapon was recovered at the scene. Three of the officers, Michael Williams, and Stafford Wilson and Serena Daniels, were fired, while Officer Carter was suspended temporarily without pay. Haggerty family's received $18 million in a settlement with the City of Chicago.
Margaret
LaVerne
Mitchell, 55


 
May 21, 1999
Los Angeles, CA
Margaret LaVerne Mitchell, a 55-year old homeless Black woman, was fatally shot by an LAPD police officer on May 21st, 1999. Mitchell was pushing a shopping cart down the street when LAPD stopped her and inquired whether the shopping cart was stolen. When an eyewitness sought to intervene to protect her from police harassment, Mitchell walked away from the officers, who was then shot her in the back. The officers later claimed that Mitchell—who weighed 102 pounds and was a diminutive five foot one—lunged at them with a screwdriver, causing them to fear for their lives. The shooting violated LAPD rules, but the officer who shot Mitchell was acquitted of all criminal charges. The City of Los Angeles was ordered to pay nearly $1 million for the civil settlement. 
Tyisha
Miller, 19


 
December 28, 1998
Riverside, CA
Tyisha Miller, a 19-year-old young woman, was shot and killed on December 28th, 1998 by Officers Wayne Stewart, Paul Bugar, Michael Algana, Daniel Hotard who fired 24 shots and struck her 12 times. Miller was asleep in her car that had broken down with a gun in her lap, which friends state she had likely displayed for protection because a man had been harassing them when they left to get help. Police arrived and broke a side window of the car, rousing Miller and shot her as she regained consciousness. The officers were placed on administrative leave, but no one was charged with the shooting.
Cora
Bell Jones, 79


 
August 13, 1998
Detroit, MI
Cora Bell Jones, a 79-year old great-great-grandmother of three struggling with Alzheimer's disease, partial deafness, poor eye vision, and arthritis, was fatally shot and killed by Officer Anthony Johnson in her home on August 13th, 1998. Jones was with her grandchildren when multiple bullets from a separate drive-by shooting hit her home. After a brief tussle between Jones's grandson and one of the plain clothed police officers ensued, Jones was shot and killed. Officer Johnson did not give any warning before opening fire at Jones in front of her great grand children. Officers allege that Jones brandished a knife; however, family members are sure that Jones did not lunge towards the officers as she was scared for her life and unaware of what exactly was going on. After filing a civil lawsuit, Jones's family won a $350,000 settlement.
Dannette
Daniels, 31


 
June 8, 1997
Newark, NJ
Dannette Daniels, a 31-year-old pregnant Black woman, was arrested for allegedly dealing drugs and fatally shot in the neck on June 8th, 1997 by Officer Robert Leaks Jr, while she was in the police squad car. Witnesses deny that Daniels was involved in any drug transaction during the time of her death. The officer in the Daniels shooting was cleared by a grand jury and returned to active duty.
Frankie
Ann Perkins, 37


 
March 22, 1997
Chicago, IL
Frankie Ann Perkins, a 37-year-old mother of three minor daughters, was walking home on March 22nd, 1997, when she was strangled to death by Chicago police officers. The officers claimed they observed her swallowing drugs and tried to get her to spit the drugs out. The medical examiner’s findings and autopsy photos confirmed strangulation, showing bruises on her face and rib cage, and eyes that were swollen shut. Perkins’ mother reported that police subsequently harassed young men in the neighborhood to prevent them from speaking out about her case. The Police Office of Professional Standards found “no criminal wrongdoing” by the officers and The City of Chicago settled a lawsuit with the family for $500,000.
Carolyn
Adams, 39


 
September 10, 1996
New Brunswick, NJ
Carolyn Adams, a 39-year-old mother, was killed by New Brunswick Police Officer James Consalvo on September 10th, 1996, as he attempted to arrest her on prostitution charges. Consalvo alleges that Adams bit his finger and reached for his gun as he tried to arrest her, prompting a short altercation resulting in Adams to be shot in the heart and killed. However, Adams's family claims that the shooting was racially motivated. The grand jury decided not to indict Officer Consalvo and he was not held liable for wrongful death.
Kim
Groves, 32


 
October 13, 1994
New Orleans, LA
Kim Marie Groves, a mother of three children and witness of a brutal attack inflicted upon her neighbor was killed on October 13th, 1994, in an execution ordered by former New Orleans police officer Len Davis. A day before her death, Groves filed a police brutality complaint against Davis, telling investigators that she saw him beating her neighbor. When Davis found out about Ms. Groves’s complaint, he contacted a man named Paul Hardy and told him that he wanted the woman killed. Davis used police resources to find Groves’ address and, once she was located, Davis apprised Hardy of her whereabouts. Both Davis and Hardy were tried for civil rights murder, and the jury convicted them and recommended the death sentence for both. Grove’s family also brought a civil lawsuit, eventually reaching a $1.5 million settlement distributed amongst Grove’s three children.
Sonji
Taylor, 27


 
December 16, 1993
Los Angeles, CA
Sonji Taylor, a 27-year-old single mother and former homecoming queen who was training to become a state corrections officer, was shot and killed by LAPD on a rooftop parking lot in front of her 3-year-old son on December 16, 1993. The seven officers, including three sergeants, who were present at the scene claim that she was holding her son hostage with a kitchen knife while repeating the words “For the blood of Jesus!” The officers charged Taylor, attacking her with pepper spray, and tearing her son away from her. The officers reported that they shot Taylor in self-defense after she “lunged” at them. However, the family contests this version because the autopsy revealed that Taylor was shot twice in the chest and several times in the back while lying face-down on the ground. Her family also stated that the knife was a Christmas present, her son was never harmed, and “For the blood of Jesus” was a phrase Taylor had learned from her Pentecostal upbringing to repeat when in danger. None of the officers were prosecuted for the shooting. In 1997, the city agreed to a $2.45 million settlement.
Rebecca
Garnett, 20


 
May 23, 1991
Gaithersburg, MD
Rebecca Garnett, an unarmed 20-year old, was shot in the chest and killed by Maryland police officer Christopher J. Albrecht on May 23, 1991 for simply being in the same parking lot as a suspect under investigation. With a bag of corn chips present in Garnett’s hands, the Maryland officers accosted Garnett and demanded that she froze. Officer Albrecht alleged that the trigger of the gun discharged unexpectedly thus leading to Garnett’s death; however, witnesses report that the officers still had their deadly weapon drawn on to Garnett, who complied with their demands. Garnett’s family filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the county, which resulted in a $440,000 settlement. The officer involved was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment and served a one-year term.
Delisha
Africa, 9


 
May 13, 1985
Philadelphia, PA
Delisha Africa, a 9-year old child member of the MOVE organization, was killed in the deadly MOVE bombing in Philadelphia on May 13th, 1985. The bombing was incited when a satchel of Tovex and C4 explosives were dropped on the roof of the complex, where Africa and MOVE members were protecting children from the ongoing raid. Aware of the casualties that would be caused by the bombing, the commissioner approved the order of the bombing. None of the officers responsible for the death of Delisha Africa along with the other six activists and four children killed were criminally prosecuted or held legally accountable for their involvement.
Netta
Africa, 11


 
May 13, 1985
Philadelphia, PA
Netta Africa, a 11-year old child, member of the MOVE organization, was killed in the deadly MOVE bombing in Philadelphia on May 13th, 1985. The bombing was incited when a satchel of Tovex and C4 explosives were dropped on the roof of the complex, where Africa and MOVE members were protecting children from the ongoing raid. Aware of the casualties that would be caused by the bombing, the commissioner approved the order of the bombing. None of the officers responsible for the death of Netta Africa along with the other six activists and four children killed were criminally prosecuted or held legally accountable for their involvement.
Theresa
Brooks Africa, 26


 
May 13, 1985
Philadelphia, PA
Theresa Brooks Africa, a 26-year old member of the MOVE organization, was killed in the deadly MOVE bombing in Philadelphia on May 13th, 1985. The bombing was incited when a satchel of Tovex and C4 explosives were dropped on the roof of the complex, where Africa and MOVE members were protecting children from the ongoing raid. Aware of the casualties that would be caused by the bombing, the commissioner approved the order of the bombing. None of the officers responsible for the death of Brooks Africa along with the other six activists and four children killed were criminally prosecuted or held legally accountable for their involvement.
Rhonda Harris Ward Africa, 30


 
May 13, 1985
Philadelphia, PA
Rhonda Harris Ward Africa, a 30-year old member of the MOVE organization, was killed in the deadly MOVE bombing in Philadelphia on May 13th, 1985. The bombing was incited when a satchel of Tovex and C4 explosives were dropped on the roof of the complex, where Africa and other MOVE members were protecting children from the ongoing raid. Aware of the casualties that would be caused by the bombing, the commissioner approved the order of the bombing. None of the officers responsible for the death of Ward Africa were criminally prosecuted. Ward Africa was the mother of Birdie Africa, the only child who survived the massacre.
Eleanor
Bumpurs, 66


 
October 29, 1984
New York, NY
Eleanor Bumpurs, a 66-year-old grandmother, was fatally shot with a 12-gauge shotgun on October 29th, 1984 by NYPD Officer Stephen Sullivan who was responding to a city-ordered eviction notice. Bumpurs was four months behind on her monthly rent of $98.65. She refused to open the door for police who then broke into her apartment and fatally shot her during a struggle to subdue her. Protestors led demonstrations outside Bronx State Supreme Court and led a 25-minute demonstration during closing arguments where Sullivan was tried (and acquitted) for manslaughter. In March 1990, the City of New York, to a settlement of $200,000 to Bumpurs’ estate.
Alecia
McCuller, 21


 
November 13, 1983
Rochester, NY
Alecia McCuller, a 21-year-old mother was shot and killed in front of her 6-year-old son, on November 13th, 1983 by Rochester police responding to reports of a domestic confrontation between McCuller and her boyfriend outside of her apartment. Officers allege that McCuller brandished a knife. Instead of attempting to disarm the approximately 100-pound 5 ft tall woman, the officer fired two deadly shots at McCuller. The two officers were subsequently prosecuted and were both ultimately found not guilty.
Sherry
Singleton, 26


 
November 13, 1980
New Orleans, LA
Sherry Singleton, a 26-year-old mother of a 4-year-old son, was shot and killed in front of her son on November 13th, 1980 by New Orleans police officers during a police raid on her apartment. Singleton, who was not a suspect or person of interest during the raid, was accosted by officers while in her bathtub. Singleton begged them to not kill her before before the two officers fired two fatal shots at both Singleton and her husband. New Orleans police allege that they shot back in retaliation, but the coroner concluded that there had been no indication of whether or not the couple actually retaliated with gunfire. The officers were not prosecuted and were permitted to continue working for New Orleans Police Department.
Eulia Mae
Love, 39


 
January 3, 1979
Los Angeles, CA
Eulia Mae Love, a 39-year-old widow, and mother of three suffering from depression after the loss of her husband, was shot and killed in front of her daughters on the evening of January 3rd, 1979 by two Los Angeles police officers. The officers were called to respond to a dispute between Love and two utility workers over an unpaid $22.09 gas bill. Upon exiting her home after retrieving money to pay the bill, Love was confronted by the LAPD officers. Alleging that Love refused to drop a noticed knife in her hand and without exhausting all other de-escalation options, the officers immediately fired 12 shots. Eight of them struck Love, who collapsed on the lawn, dead. The officers were ultimately exonerated, as the charges leveled against them were deemed to be premised on "faulty and incomplete evidence".
Denise
Hawkins, 18


 
November 11, 1975
Rochester, NY
Denise Hawkins, an 18-year old mother, was shot and killed in her Rochester, NY basement on November 11th, 1975 by an officer responding to a call about a family dispute. Upon accosting Hawkins, officers alleged that Hawkins brandished a knife. The other four detectives present didn't attempt to deescalate the situation. The officer who fired the fatal shot was found not guilty and was eventually promoted in his police ranking.
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