Tamir Rice investigation: No proof police warned boy before fatal shooting
County officials released some information found in their investigation of Tamir Rice shooting
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Officials investigating the shooting death of Tamir Rice found no proof that the police officer who pulled the trigger shouted a warning before firing the fatal shot.
The Cleveland Police Department has said that Officer Timothy Loehmann shouted a verbal command to 12-year-old Tamir from inside the police car before getting out and shooting the boy.
Officers were called because Tamir was in possession of a pellet gun. The police department claims that Mr Loehmann told the youngster to drop the weapon before getting out of the car and firing.
But evidence revealed in a redacted version of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department investigation shows that eyewitness testimony does not support the purported warning given by Mr Loehmann, CNN reported.
This information comes out as county prosecutors have taken over the case. The sheriff's department handed over their investigation last week.
State prosecutors are now able to investigate further before presenting the evidence to a grand jury, which will decide if Officer Loehmann will face charges in Tamir’s death.
Last week, a local judge said there was probably cause to charge the officers in Tamir’s death, but that decision ultimately will be left to the grand jury.
Follow @PaytonGuion on Twitter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments