DETROIT – A lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court against individual officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Terrance Kellom in 2015.
Kellom was shot several times on April 27, 2015, in his father’s home, while U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Detroit police officers executed an arrest warrant for armed robbery and weapons charges.
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The wrongful death suit alleges a grossly unlawful shooting by ICE agent Mitchell Quinn and Detroit police officers acting as part of a fugitive apprehension team. The complaint also alleges the officers presented no warrants, and falsified reports in stating that Kellom threatened the officers with a hammer.
The $50 million lawsuit was filed on behalf of the victim’s mother, Nelda Kellom.
What happened
Police Chief James Craig said a fugitive task force was serving an armed robbery and weapons charges warrant at a home in the 9500 block of Evergreen Road when the shooting happened.
Craig said the officer and other members of a fugitive task force were inside the home when, at some point, the officer felt threatened and shots were fired. Kellom was killed.
"I'm told there was no forced entry to the residence, that they were allowed inside. I'm also told that the agent may have been faced with a threat. It was at that point that he decided to use deadly force," Craig said.
Craig didn't say if Kellom had a weapon, but said he had spoken with the immediate family of the man who was shot and killed.
GALLERY: Evidence pictures in Terrance Kellom case
ICE agent goes into hiding
Mitchell was allegedly the ICE agent who pulled the trigger. After the shooting, he left town with his wife and three children.
READ BACK: Attorney says ICE agent in hiding with family after deadly shooting in Detroit
Mitchell's attorney, David Greim, said the agent responded to a backup call when Kellom fled to the home's attic. Officers couldn't get him out and Greim said Kellom jumped through the ceiling to the floor below.
It was alleged that Kellom was holding a claw hammer.
Statements made after shooting
From ICE:
"During a multi-agency enforcement action today at a Detroit residence, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer fatally wounded a fugitive wanted on state armed robbery and weapons charges. Any time an ICE officer or special agent discharges their firearm in the line of duty, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility reviews the matter. Due to this ongoing review, no further details will be released at this time."
From U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade:
"Yesterday's shooting was a tragedy and we offer our deep condolences to the family. Police work sometimes requires use of deadly force, but officers may use only as much force as is reasonable under the circumstances. In a situation like this, it is important to protect the rights of both the deceased and the officer. Therefore, we are closely monitoring the investigation."
From the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan:
"The death of Terrance Kellom is tragic and should be immediately investigated by federal authorities. The use of excessive force by police -- and the resulting tragedies that citizens experience, especially in communities of color, as a result of their interactions with law enforcement -- are endemic across this country and must stop. The first step in interrupting this cycle must be urgent reforms in how police and communities interact and the de-militarization of police departments across the state. Federal authorities also need to begin questioning the role of ICE in routine criminal investigations and whether these agents are properly trained to fill this role without unnecessarily endangering the public."
From Rep. John Conyers and Rep. Brenda Lawrence:
"People of good conscience around the nation are examining the conduct of our law enforcement agencies with a heightened sense of scrutiny. This most recent shooting in Detroit again raises concerns about police-involved shootings in our communities. It is important to note that this incident is under investigation by both Michigan and federal authorities. Our offices will continue to monitor the status of the investigations to ensure that justice is served for the families involved and our community."
Wayne County prosecutor decides against charges
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy held a news conference in August 2015. Her office was receiving threats related to the case.
"Of course, black lives matter," Worthy said. "But you know what else matters? Credible facts matter. Supportable evidence matters. Provable evidence matters."
Worthy said the shooting was not racial and decided against charging the ICE agent or Detroit Police Department officers in connection to the fatal shooting.
Kellom's family spoke out against Worth's decision.
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