California’s top law enforcement official will review Stephon Clark being shot by police

Stephon Clark was unarmed when police officers shot him in his grandparents' backyard

Jeremy B. White
San Francisco
Tuesday 27 March 2018 18:16 BST
Comments
Sequita Thompson recounts the horror of seeing her grandson Stephon Clark dead in her backyard
Sequita Thompson recounts the horror of seeing her grandson Stephon Clark dead in her backyard

California’s attorney general will oversee an investigation of two Sacramento police officers shooting and killing an unarmed man in his grandparents’ backyard.

The death of Stephon Clark has roiled the community and ignited national anger over yet another police shooting of an African-American man.

In announcing that attorney general Xavier Becerra’s office would oversee the investigation into how the shooting unfolded, officials reassured residents that they would strive to conduct a fair review.

“The country is watching us”, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said at a press conference.

Police departments have in the past faced sharp questions about their ability - and that of elected district attorneys - to objectively investigate their own personnel. By enlisting an outside entity, Sacramento sought to to confront those doubts head-on.

“We’re not taking over the investigation, but we are providing independent oversight” and “some independent eyes”, Mr Becerra said.

Police shoot unarmed black man 19 times in his grandparents' back yard

His team “won’t be dependent on the Sacramento Police Department” but will manage the department’s collection of evidence and other processes, Mr Becerra said. He noted his office wields the powers to consider prosecuting the police officers involved.

Noting that the attorney general’s office would also assist in a review of the Sacramento Police Department’s de-escalating protocols, Mr Steinberg said Mr Clark’s death could offer a turning point for the relationship law enforcement.

“I recognise we have difficult days ahead as we grieve and confront the death of Stephon Clark”, Mr Steinberg said, but that time “can also become the moment when our city and country asked the most important question: isn’t there a better way”?

Video released by the Sacramento Police Department shows officers pursuing Mr Clark through a residential neighbourhood and, when they come across him, shouting “Gun” before opening fire.

They did not find a gun on Mr Clark. The only object recovered nearby was a cell phone, the department said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in