The FBI and federal prosecutors are investigating the deadly police shooting of 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin by an officer in Washington, DC, last month after the teen was found sleeping in an allegedly stolen vehicle. The US Attorney’s Office in Washington released a statement saying, ‘The loss of a life is always tragic but is especially heartbreaking when it involves a child.’
The bodycam video released by US Park Police and Washington Metropolitan Police on Tuesday was described as ‘extremely upsetting.’ The investigation is ongoing, and the US Attorney’s Office has opened a civil rights investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr. Martin’s death, in coordination with the FBI Washington Field Office.
BREAKING: The FBI and DOJ have just opened a civil rights probe into a police shooting and car crash that caused the death of African American teenager Dalaneo Martin:
– The officer entered the vehicle, waking Martin up.
– Martin began driving with officer in car.
– The… pic.twitter.com/VwFC4px8yV
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) April 5, 2023
The release of the videos has come amid national scrutiny of police use of force. Officers from both the Park Police and the Metropolitan Police were responding to a report of a stolen vehicle when the shooting of Martin happened. Several officers from both agencies arrived and began discussing how to approach the situation.
As the officers strategized, one officer is heard telling another, ‘Once you break it, he’s gonna wake up, start it and put it in drive to go. We don’t want nobody to get hurt.’
The footage shows the officers attempting to pull the driver out of the vehicle, and the vehicle then suddenly drives off as a Park Police officer is still in the backseat. The officer yells, ‘Stop. Stop or I’ll shoot!’
The driver did not comply, and the officer discharged his firearm. Seconds later, the vehicle crashes into a house, and officers pull the driver out of the vehicle, who is identified as Martin. Martin died at the scene, and a gun was recovered inside the vehicle.
🧵(⚠️Police Shooting )
Police have released bodycam footage of the shooting of 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin from last month.
He was asleep behind the wheel of a car that cops believe to be stolen. In the footage of them preparing to approach the car you can hear them say "If he… pic.twitter.com/D7XtktdUfC
— 🥀_Imposter_🥀 (@Imposter_Edits) April 5, 2023
The investigation is being handled by the Metropolitan Police Department and reviewed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An administrative review of this incident is being conducted by the Department of the Interior, said the Park Police.
This video circulating online has sparked a lot of questions and criticism towards law enforcement. Netizens are asking why four officers were present and why they couldn’t handle the situation of a sleeping person. Many are questioning why the officers felt the need to start firing. The incident has caused outrage and people are expressing their anger and disappointment towards the police officers involved.
We want to thank everyone who showed up this evening in solidarity with Dalaneo Martin family.Continue to demand answers to the six shots to the back,how do you explain that @usparkpolicepio @dcpolicedept ?Please donate to the go fund me https://t.co/89RsuT7lFU #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Y8DK30zn0g
— Harriet’s Dreams (@HarrietsDreams) March 27, 2023
This incident has become a controversial topic on the internet with people making their own theories on the case. The victim, Dalaneo Martin, was a young father, and his family is fighting for justice, stating that the allegations against him are false. People are protesting in support of Martin and demanding justice. The police officers involved have been placed on leave.
On 3/18/23 #DalaneoMartin was tragically killed by the US Park Police. Dalaneo was an excellent father to his seven-month-old son and leaves behind his mother, father, siblings and other family and friends who are now mourning his loss. Please donate! https://t.co/2s5xrnakjx
— Black Lives Matter DC (@DMVBlackLives) April 3, 2023
Updates on this case will be provided as they become available. Stay tuned for more information.
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