‘It was unjustified’: Family suing central Florida police department over fatal shooting

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ST. CLOUD, Fla. — A federal lawsuit is raising new questions about a police shooting in central Florida.

The family of 20-year-old Deshay Turner says body camera footage shows that he was complying with the commands of a St. Cloud Police Department officer moments before he was shot and killed.

His family says one moment in particular raises questions about why he was shot, arguing that Turner’s hands were visible to officers before gunfire erupted.

The shooting happened in December of last year.

Police say Turner ran from officers following a car burglary investigation and pointed a gun at them before an officer opened fire.

“Officers gave the subject numerous times to cooperate but the suspect did not comply,” said SCPD Chief Doug Goerke.

Turner’s family says he did comply and they argue the video supports their claim.

In the body camera video, officers can be heard repeatedly ordering Turner to show his hands.

Moments before shots are fired, another officer appears to indicate turner’s hands are visible.

“If this officer is saying, ‘I got hands,’ he is not saying I see a gun so why did he shoot?” asked Turner’s cousin, Shonda Lilybud.

The family’s lawsuit argues Turner had his hands up and did not deserve to be shot.

His mom, Tamika McKnight, never thought this would be her story.

“I have pictures of me out there for Trayvon Martin, but I never thought it would be my own son,” she said.

McKnight said the video doesn’t match what police officers say happened in those final moments.

“It was unjustified,” she said. “It was unreasonable. There are many tactics they could’ve done besides murdering my son like they were hunting a deer.”

McKnight also disputes how her son has been portrayed.

While police described Turner as a convicted felon, a Local 10 News review of Florida court records did not uncover any adult felony convictions in his name.

She describes her son as a loving young man who never would have pointed a gun at police.

“I didn’t have to see any footage, my son has never been a violent person,” said McKnight. “He is not a violent person.”

The family’s attorney, Harold Thompson, argues the video shows Turner was complying with officers’ commands when the shots were fired.

“There’s no disputing that his hands were up,” said Thompson. “He had a bullet fragment pulled from both underarms.”

But in previously released statements, SCPD said Turner was armed and that officers acted within the law when they opened fire.

The police chief also defended the officers’ actions after the shooting, saying they immediately began life saving efforts.

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Caroline Coles

Caroline Coles

Caroline Coles is an experienced journalist who brings energy, heart, and hustle to every story.