Tony Robinson: Prosecutors will not charge police officer over shooting death of black teenager

Announcement comes two months after death of 19-year-old

A Wisconsin prosecutor has said that charges will not be filed against a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed 19-year-old black man in Wisconsin.

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said his investigation had led him to decide that charges would not be brought against Madison Officer Matt Kenny, who killed Tony Robinson inside an apartment on March 6.

"I conclude that this tragic and unfortunate death was the result of a lawful use of deadly police force," he said.

Mr Ozanne, the first person of colour to serve as prosecutor in the state, extended condolences to Tony Robinson's family, “I'm so very sorry for your loss.”

Mr Ozanne said there had been three emergency calls relating to Mr Robinson, and suggests he was “tweaking” on hallucinogens. Emergency callers also said that Mr Robinson was attempting to break into homes and jump in front of cars.

Police have said that Mr Kenny responded to reports that an unarmed Mr Robinson had assaulted two people and was running in traffic.

The officer forced his way into Mr Robinson’s home and was allegedly hit on the head before shooting him seven times in three seconds in the head, torso and arm.

The Robinson family held a press conference after Mr Ozanne’s decision was announced to express concern and criticised the media coverage they claimed had portrayed Mr Robinson in a negative light.

Turin Carter, Mr Robinson’s uncle, said that there were “few words" to describe how he felt about his nephew's demonisation by the media. Sharon Irwin, Mr Robinson’s grandmother, agreed by saying the decision was “politics — not justice.”

“You don’t know the Tony Robinson that I knew. I will miss him the rest of my life when you guys go home and don't deal with this anymore," Ms Irwin said.

Jon Loevy, the family's lawyer, said evidence suggested that the police officer was advised not to go into the building, where he would ultimately shoot and kill the teenager.

The lawyer said the family fully supported their community's right to express frustration and anger but asked that any protests should remain calm and peaceful.