The household of an armed black man who was shot lifeless by an off-duty police officer has mentioned the taking pictures was “justified” — whereas approving police efforts to hurry the discharge of video to “quell misinformation” and protests.
Elijah Wilks, 26, was fatally shot on Thursday, Oct. 9, after he triggered a minor automotive accident with an unidentified Milwaukee police officer who was on his option to work, officers have mentioned.
Newly launched video reveals Wilks strolling as much as the relaxed-looking, 40-year-old plainclothes officer — then pulling out a gun and smacking him within the face with it.
As he backs off, Wilks then raises his handgun and factors it straight on the cop — who fires his department-issued handgun in self-defense.
Wilks was declared lifeless on the scene whereas the officer — a 21-year veteran of the drive — was taken to the hospital for minor accidents, based on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Whereas the police division sometimes waits 15 days earlier than releasing movies of officer-involved shootings to the general public, Wilks’ household wished it to be launched as quickly as attainable to “quell misinformation.”
“We are going to acknowledge that we consider this officer-involved taking pictures was justified,” the household’s lawyer, B’Ivory LaMarr, mentioned at a information convention.
“We acknowledge that (Wilks) made a foul determination yesterday and sadly it got here with dire penalties,” he mentioned, acknowledging the officer shot again “in accordance along with his coaching.”
“The Wilks household has seen the reality for themselves. Now they need the general public to see it too. They’re selecting reality over rumor — transparency over division.”
Wilks’ aunt, Latrice Bell, mentioned the household didn’t intend to file any lawsuits and was “at relaxation” with what the video confirmed.
“My nephew, he decided he shouldn’t have made and that’s simply one thing we now have to reside with,” the aunt mentioned.
Wilks’ household mentioned he had been driving to his uncle’s funeral when he flipped, suggesting that might be why he acted violently and out of character.
The West Allis Police Division is main the investigation into the taking pictures.
