Report to be released in officer’s shooting of Tennessee man

Yesterday, the Department of Justice together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office declared the case is being reviewed “in light of multiple inquiries regarding the July shooting of adolescent Darrius Stewart”, they said in a statement.

Stewart was originally detained after a vehicle he was riding in was stopped for a headlight violation. According to police, the officer ran Stewart’s identification and found the teen had outstanding warrants from IL and Iowa. As they fought, Schilling fired his gun, wounding Stewart. Schilling put Stewart in the back of his squad auto as he checked on the warrants.

Schilling said he shot Stewart twice during a struggle in which he feared for his life. They say that when Schilling went to handcuff Stewart, he kicked open the door, grabbed the handcuffs and beat Schilling with them. Video released Tuesday shows the two wrestling on the ground, and the medical examiner told investigators Stewart was shot from no more than 4 feet away.

“The DOJ has been conducting an independent, comprehensive, and careful review of the evidence collected related to the shooting of Mr. Stewart”, U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III of Memphis told a news conference. He said it was ongoing but declined to answer questions about it.

“It is clear to the family that Connor Schilling should have been indicted after shooting their son in the back as he ran for his life”, Moore said. He faces an administrative hearing to determine his future with the department.

Stanton announced the federal review on Monday.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s file was released by a court order at the request of the local district attorney general.