Eric Smith
Eric Derrell Smith, 30, and his 3-month-old baby were shot and killed by police officers in Biloxi, Mississippi.
According to police, Smith was suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend, Christin, and her nephew at a home in Baker, Louisiana, on May 3, 2021. Smith then kidnapped his son and left the scene, according to investigators. Police officers started to chase Smith. Officers caught up with Smith in Biloxi and deployed spike strips which slowed down his vehicle but did not stop it.
In a cellphone video published online, police are seen conducting a pit maneuver to stop Smith’s car and he becomes trapped in the median. In a few seconds police opened fire on Smith and his infant son, killing them both. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the child passed away as a result of the injuries sustained.
Police is investigating this case. The officers are on administrative leave pending an investigation.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“Prior to the issuance of an Amber Alert, the suspect and child were located by investigators and patrol personnel actively looking for the vehicle. Mississippi authorities will be handling any investigation on actions that occurred in Mississippi and EBR will be able to speak on the investigation in Louisiana,” said Tpr. Nick Manale.
“We want to have a coherent, truthful conversation about what happened and how this could have been avoided. Period,” said Anastassia Doctor, a Black Lives Matter Mississippi board member and Army veteran. “If this was a white man with a white child, would they have done the same thing?”
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
