Federal civil rights probe opened after police fatally shoot Dalaneo Martin

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A federal civil rights investigation is underway after U.S. Park Police fatally shot a Black teenager last month in Washington, D.C., and his family on Wednesday called on authorities to charge the officers involved in the incident.

The probe, which was announced after police released videos showing the March 18 shooting that led to Dalaneo Martin’s death, comes amid other high-profile cases across the nation that have forced departments to re-evaluate their interactions with Black people.

“The loss of a life is always tragic but is especially heartbreaking when it involves a child,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “On Saturday, March 18th, 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin tragically died after a shooting involving the U.S. Park Police, and we recognize that the body-worn camera footage just released of his death is extremely upsetting. We extend our condolences to Mr. Martin’s family and friends.”

The statement continued: “In coordination with the FBI Washington Field Office, the United States Attorney’s Office has opened a civil rights investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr. Martin’s death. That investigation—which we are committed to conducting diligently and thoroughly—is ongoing. As this is an open matter, we are not able to provide additional comment or release further information at this time.”

Police on Tuesday released two body camera videos of the incident. The agency said in a statement the videos are “intended to help members of the community gain a better understanding of what occurred.”

“This incident is still under investigation, and all statements in this briefing are based on the details we know at this point. We are committed to being transparent with our community, and it’s our priority to release this information and inform our community as soon as possible,” police said.

Police said in an initial statement the incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. after a U.S. Park Police sergeant and officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle.

“While officers were attempting to detain the driver, the car fled from the scene with one USPP officer inside the car. A second officer, the USPP sergeant, was dragged by the fleeing car from outside the vehicle,” police said. “The USPP officer inside the car gave verbal commands for the driver to stop. After the driver did not comply, the USPP officer discharged their firearm. A male was pronounced dead on scene. A firearm was recovered inside the vehicle.”

Both officers were taken to a hospital for treatment. Their names and conditions have not been released.

The officers are on paid administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard procedure.

The police union that represents the officers was not immediately available for comment.

During a news conference Wednesday, attorney Andrew O. Clarke, who is representing Martin’s family, invoked the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others before asking how long will the Black community have to endure disparate treatment from police.

“Dalaneo did not have to die,” Clarke said. “How long will they be able to hide behind their badge to justify taking a life? How long will we as a community have to continue to have the talk with our young Black children because they are treated differently by police? … We will continue to pursue justice for Dalaneo with or without the help of the federal government or the District of Columbia.”

Martin’s mother, Terra Martin, demanded the name of the officer who fatally shot her son be immediately released. She said she wanted all officers involved in his death to be punished criminally.

“I want him arrested. I want him to stop getting paid while he murdered my son and is still home with his family,” she said. “Time and time again, I sit and I try to get my head wrapped around this and I can’t. I don’t sleep. I don’t eat. And justice need to be served.”

Terra Martin said she spoke to the medical examiner who said her son instantly died from six shots. Martin said her son was a father of a boy, too.

“When he had his son, it changed his life,” she said. “He wanted to start doing things different.”

Martin added no amount of justice will make her feel whole from losing her fifth child of 10 who was “always dancing.”

“No type of money will make me feel better. I need my son back,” she said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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