No Charges Filed Against Cop Who Shot And Killed Ty’Rese West

Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson has announced that no charges will be filed against Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin Police Sgt. Eric Giese for the shooting of 18-year-old Ty’Rese West. 

According to a statement released by the District Attorney, she determined that “Sergeant Giese’s actions in this case fall under the privilege of self-defense,” and as such, “no charges will be filed against Sergeant Giese in this case,” 

However, Ty’Rese’s family says the fight isnt over.

“I want a thorough investigation done, and also to see Eric Giese locked up,” West’s father, Dwight Person said.

Hanson detailed the events that took place on June 15 in a 23-page report, explaining why she came to the decision not to press charges against the officer.

On June 15 of this year, around 1:30 am, Ty’Rese was shot and killed by Sergeant Eric Giese. Giese was attempting to stop Ty’Rese, who was on a bicycle. Ty’Rese fled and Giese pursued on foot. According to Giese, he saw that West was armed. 

Department of Justice reports said various non-lethal methods were used by Sgt. Giese in “an attempt to address the threat.” These non-lethal methods included verbal commands and the deployment of electronic control devices. When non-lethal methods failed, lethal force was used. The report goes on to say that life-saving measures were attempted, but were unsuccessful and that a handgun was recovered at the scene.

Ty’Rese’s mother insists that her son did not have a gun.

“They will try to justify anything to cover their butts,” said West.

Officer Giese was wearing a body camera during the shooting, however the camera was not turned on. Mount Pleasant Police Department policy does not require that body cameras be turned on for every encounter. 

DA Hanson said she concluded that the use of deadly force was justified and that the case fell “under self-defense.” Photos of the gun were released, along with other evidence in Hanson’s report. She called Giese’s decision to shoot “legal and ethical.”

The attorney for the West family issued this statement Wednesday:

“The family is disappointed, but not surprised by District Attorney Hanson’s decision. The family will continue to fight for justice and answers to the tragic and unjustified death of Ty’Rese.”

Racine Mayor Cory Mason issued this statement ahead of the announcement:

“Our community is holding its breath as we wait today for the Racine County District Attorney to announce whether or not a Mount Pleasant police officer will face criminal charges for the death of Ty’Rese West. Our community is hurting, and we continue to grieve the loss of this young man. I know that for Ty’Rese West’s family, no part of this process so far has provided closure or satisfaction. I want them to know that I see and hear their grief and the valid questions they are asking. I know that if this were my child, I too would be asking tough questions, and expecting satisfactory answers, transparency, and accountability. And I want to acknowledge the painful reality that my white children are viewed and treated differently than their African American and Latino counterparts. That must change. Whatever the Racine County District Attorney decides today, I will continue to support reforms that reduce those inequalities, and increase our entire community’s confidence in our criminal justice system. No matter the outcome, I hope we will react peacefully, in a way that will honor the West family and the memory of their son.”

Mount Pleasant Police Chief Matthew Soens issued this statement:

“Officer involved shootings are extremely tragic, and the aftermath is difficult to navigate for the community and law enforcement alike. While the Racine County District Attorney’s decision brings some closure to this tragedy, we recognize that many people are grieving the loss of Tyrese West. We offer our condolences to the West family and for all those who are mourning his loss. As required by state law, the investigation of the incident was turned over to an independent agency for review and consideration of possible criminal charges. The Racine Police Department and the State of Wisconsin’s Division of Criminal Investigations carefully examined the facts surrounding the case. Many of the facts and details pertaining to this incident could not be previously released due to the pending criminal investigation and current civil litigation. We are hopeful that the release of the district attorney’s decision, along with the facts gathered through the investigatory process, will clarify the events of June 15, 2019. With the district attorney’s decision now final, and our own internal investigation near completion, Sergeant Giese is expected to return to unrestricted full-duty status to resume his assigned responsibilities. Additionally, the Mount Pleasant Police Department will seek funding for the procurement of additional body-worn cameras through the 2020 budget process. The additional cameras would allow for all 56 sworn department members to have a camera issued and assigned to them, similar to other police equipment that is used on a daily basis. The Mount Pleasant Police Department is also reviewing its body-worn camera policy to address any changes that might be needed. The Mount Pleasant Police Department continues to be dedicated to the community policing philosophy where the community and the police department collaborate to establish and maintain relationships built on trust and mutual respect. The community is stronger when law enforcement and community members forge partnerships and work to solve community issues collectively.”