Updated 06/23/2012 06:03 PM
Brooklyn Woman Shot By Police Laid To Rest Saturday
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Family and friends of a Brooklyn woman killed by police said a final farewell Saturday as 23-year-old Shantel Davis was remembered at a funeral service at the Tabernacle of Praise. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.It was a packed house as family, friends, loved ones and supporters of Shantel Davis gathered at the Tabernacle of Praise to honor her life and call for justice.
Investigators said she was shot and killed by police after crashing a stolen car into a minivan while fleeing from police officers in East Flatbush.
"Justice does not mean 'let's wait and see what happens, let's see what they are going to do,'" said Kirsten John Foy, a minister with the National Action Network. "Justice means you have taken the life of an unarmed woman. You must face the full weight of the law."
The NYPD said the shooting earlier this month happened after two plainclothed officers tried to enter the stolen car and Davis threw it into reverse. That's when she was shot.
The incident has sparked outrage among some.
"The anger that is in this community that I represent is not just from shooting incident," said Councilman Jumaane Williams. "It didn't start with Shantel Davis. I pray to God it will end here."
Some used the funeral to call on the mayor and police commissioner to address community concerns about the NYPD. Davis's family focused on her life.
"Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes," said cousin Derek McNeil. "Shantel is a real decent person. Forget all of the rumors and the things you hear about her."
Many deflected reports that the 23-year-old had a record with an attempted murder charge. Instead, they focused on one of the officers involved in the shooting, identified by sources as detective Philip Atkins.
"We don't want to hear about anybody's background because we don't wear our background on our chest before you kill us," said Councilman Charles Barron.
Atkins was a defendant in six civil lawsuits against him and Davis's family and residents claimed he often terrorized their community.
"Who does this guy think he is and why does New York allow him to work?" said cousin Priscilla Towns.
Atkins and his partner have been placed on administrative duty as the investigation into the shooting continues.