A police officer arrived on the call of one of the locals, shot a colored woman in her own home — and decided that she «could be dangerous».
Tatiana have Cokes Jefferson, 28, from Fort Smith (TX) was murdered by an officer of the police Department of Fort Smith, whose name was not disclosed, at 2:25 a.m. Saturday.
Facebook/Atiana Jefferson
The police called the neighbor, Jefferson, 62-year-old James Smith — after noticed the front door of the house women in East Allen Avenue ajar and the light inside. He knew that Jefferson was supposed to be there from 8-year-old nephew and decided to make sure that everything is in order.
However, 15 minutes after the arrival of the officers, Smith heard a gunshot.
«I’m shocked, I’m upset and I’m angry. — the man told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram — the feeling that all this is partly my fault: if I hadn’t called the police, she would still be alive».
On the wearable camera one of the officers is seen as one goes along the perimeter of the house looking in the Windows and looking around the yard. One of the sections completely immersed in darkness, so that man turns on the flashlight and after a few seconds, seeing in another window the figure pulls out a gun and shouts «Raise your hands, show me your hands!». He almost immediately shoots.
Jefferson died of his wounds on the spot.
According to authorities, the officer mistakenly believed that she represents a threat. According to the report, the building found a gun — but it is not known whether it was the deceased at the time of the incident.
#PressRelease —
Officer Involved Shooting — Oct. 12, 2019 pic.twitter.com/tCvn4nySjg
— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) October 12, 2019
In an official statement, a spokesman for the Department said that the police of Fort worth «shares the deep concern of local residents» and plans to conduct a «very thorough investigation» of the incident. For Smith, these words are little consolation.
«Because of this do not want to call the police. — says the man — But someone to lean on, if she no longer feels safe? What to do when you see a crime or notice anything suspicious: pretend not to notice?»
«[Police] say: «If you see something, report». What if I will tell — and it will cost another person’s life? It is better to not say anything at all».
Smith not the only one who is outraged by the actions of the Department.
«We’re tired of lying to police. commented on the official statement from pastor Michael bell of Greater St. Stephen First Church — If you’re black — then immediately dangerous. Is one fact of our existence sufficient to be considered a threat to society?»
«Let’s be clear: [Italiano] shot in his own house. — added the angry video another local resident — don’t let all just forget about it. <…> The police continue to kill us and somebody needs to do something. The sooner the better.»
At the moment, shot a woman police officer who joined the Department in April 2018, is on administrative leave.
