Attorneys for Family of Tyre King Release Statement Regarding Columbus Division of Police Investigation

AUGUST 17, 2017 – COLUMBUS, OHIO: The Columbus Division of Police has released the results of their investigation into the death of 13-year-old Tyre King. It is clear that the Columbus Division of Police investigation was both minimal and incomplete.

Our investigation has yielded information that directly contradicts statements made by Officer Mason as to what led him to shoot and kill Tyre. Officer Mason, after four shootings in a six-year span, and at least 32 use of force complaints against him, has yet to face discipline after any of these incidents were investigated internally. This is an officer who was initially removed from the Columbus Division of Police hiring process because of "criminal activity" and a "pattern of theft," and his actions should be investigated with far more effort than that displayed by the investigation into Tyre's death.

In the aftermath of Tyre's death, Mayor Ginther promised a "full inquiry" into what happened. It is clear that the Columbus Division of Police has either an inability to hold Officer Mason accountable for his use of force against citizens, or no interest in doing so. We find it hard to fathom that Mason's training and experience led him to believe that a 13-year-old, 5'0", 100lb., child posed such a threat that his only option was to shoot him in the head. The witnesses that we have spoken with tell a very different story, and we intend to continue pursuing truth and justice for Tyre King.

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