Texas cop fatally shoots black woman inside her own home after neighbor called authorities because her door was open
FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Just two weeks after Dallas cop Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the shooting death of Botham Jean, another Texas cop has fatally shot a woman inside her own home.
Atatiana Koquice Jefferson, 28, of Fort Worth, was shot and killed by an unidentified officer of the Fort Worth Police Department after the deputy was called to her residence in the 1200 Block of E. Allen Ave in the early hours of Saturday, October 12, by a neighbor who became concerned when they saw that the door to her home was open.
The call was made at around 2:25 am, and three minutes later, the officer arrived at the scene. In police bodycam footage of the disturbing incident that has been released by the department, the officer can be seen walking around the perimeter of the property and looking inside through the windows.
As the video continues, the officer pulls put a flashlight when he approaches a dark area of the house and seemingly enters her backyard. Seconds later, he looks inside a dark window, draws his weapon, and yells, "Put your hands up! Show me your hands!" and almost immediately starts firing at her. He did not identify himself as a police officer at any point and did not give her a chance to respond before shooting her.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the 28-year-old was playing video games with her eight-year-old nephew when they heard what they thought was a prowler outside. When she went to the window to check, she was shot.
In a statement, the department said the officer had "perceived a threat," and that a firearm had been located inside the residence. They said he had tried administering emergency medical care to Jefferson but that she succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
Neighbor James Smith, 62, who was the one who called the police said he knew Jefferson was at home with her nephew at the time and he called the police because he became concerned when he saw that her door was ajar. He said he feels it's his fault she is no longer alive.
"I’m shaken. I’m mad. I’m upset. And I feel it’s partly my fault. If I had never dialed the police department, she'd still be alive," he said, adding that he was angry, but also saddened.
"It makes you not want to call the police department," he continued. "If you don’t feel safe with the police department, then who do you feel safe with? Do you just ignore crime or ignore something that’s not right?"
The FWPD said the officer had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of their investigation into the incident. They also said that the Fort Worth Police Major Case unit, Internal Affairs unit and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Law Enforcement Incident Team were notified and responded to the scene to "ensure all information and evidence is captured and preserved."
(WARNING: DISTRESSING FOOTAGE) Watch the body cam video of the shooting here: