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
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
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,
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:
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How is it that the young man was fleeing, but the officer felt threatened. And was self defense. Now had that been 2 citizens , that would have been shooting someone in back. And that ain’t self defense. And why was the officer attempting to stop the guy? Because he was black?? Yes, officer involved shootings are tragic for a community. Because the cops rarely if ever get charged for killing innocent unarmed people for carrying those “cellguns”. Seems like to me, they would probably know what these parents feel like. Well I guess not. Until someone starts killing their children. Js