Family of 7-Year-Old Girl Killed by Detroit Police Seeks Justice

Strategic Insights -

A 7-year-old girl's death at the hands of a Detroit police officer has left her family seeking answers and accountability. The officer involved, who claims the gun discharged accidentally, may have been caught on video by a crime-reality series crew that was with police during the raid. The family has filed state and federal lawsuits, alleging that police conducted the raid with guns drawn, despite knowing children were present. The video footage, which could reveal the truth, has raised questions about a potential "cover-up."

Key Takeaways:

  • A 7-year-old girl, Aiyana Jones, was fatally shot by a Detroit police officer during a raid on her family's home.
  • The police claimed the gun discharged accidentally, but the family's lawyer, Geoffrey Fieger, disputes this, saying the video footage shows an officer firing into the home from the porch.
  • The First 48 crime-reality series crew was present during the raid and may have videotaped the events leading up to Aiyana's death.
  • The family has filed state and federal lawsuits against the Detroit Police Department, alleging a "cover-up" and a violation of Aiyana's constitutional rights.
  • The Department of State Police is investigating the raid, which was conducted in search of a homicide suspect.
  • The family's lawyer, Geoffrey Fieger, has viewed footage of the raid and claims it shows police throwing a flash grenade into the home and firing a shot, despite knowing children were present.
  • The amount of damages sought in the lawsuits is likely higher than the listed amounts of $75,000 and $25,000.

Statistics:

  • A 7-year-old girl was killed by a Detroit police officer during a raid on her family's home.
  • The First 48 crime-reality series crew was with police during the raid.
  • The Nature of the Incident: Accidental gun discharge or planned cover-up?
  • 3 or 4 minutes of video footage of the raid have been viewed by the family's lawyer.
  • The Department of State Police is investigating the raid.
  • The lawsuit filed in state court seeks damages of over $25,000.
  • The federal lawsuit claims police violated Aiyana's constitutional rights.

Sources:

  • Detroit Free Press
  • Associated Press
  • A&E's The First 48 crime-reality series
  • Statements from Geoffrey Fieger, Attorney for the Jones Family
  • Michigan State Police
  • MCT