Family Of Woman Shot By Police Meets With Brooklyn DA
Updated: Updated 08/16/2012 08:42 PM
By: Dean Meminger
The family of a woman shot and killed by police in June spoke out Thursday after meeting with the Brooklyn District Attorney. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.
Family members of Shantel Davis say they want the NYPD detective who shot and killed the woman to be put in handcuffs.
“They killed my baby, just like that,” said Louise Davis, Shantel’s grandmother. “I want justice for my child. I love my baby. I miss my baby.”
Several members of the Davis family and community activists met with Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes to discuss the on going investigation into Davis's death.
The NYPD said the 23-year-old was shot and killed when two plainclothes narcotics officers tried to enter the stolen car she had crashed after a police chase.
Davis's family said the DA told them he will bring evidence before a grand jury if it is determined the detective wrongfully fired his gun.
“He assured us that the detective, who I say murdered my sister, they’re going to do a very rigorous investigation,” said Crystal Davis, Shantel’s sister.
Detective Phillip Atkins was placed on modified duty after the shooting.
"Whether Shantel ran a red light or whether she was in a car that may have been stolen or not is not material to whether or not she presents a threat to that officer when the car was already crashed," said Kirsten Foy of the National Action Network.
At the time of the shooting, Shantel was facing attempted kidnapping and attempted murder charges in another case. Her family's supporters say that has nothing to do with her death.
“She screamed out for her life, she begged for her life and this officer shot her, dragged her out of the car after he shot her, handcuffed her and left her to bleed into the gutter,” Foy said. “There is no explanation that can be given that justifies that.”
Davis supporters said Detective Atkins already had a bad reputation in the community. The city has reportedly settled several lawsuits involving his actions on the job.
Sanford Rubenstein, the Davis family's attorney, wants anyone who knows about prior run-ins with him or about the Davis shooting to speak up.
"If there are any witnesses out there who has not yet come forward, please come forward," Rubenstein said. "Make yourself known so that you can be interviewed by representatives of the District Attorney's office directly."
The DA's office said the meeting with the family was private, so it gave no statement about what was said or promised.
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