DeShon Downing
DeShon Downing was shot and killed by Indianapolis police officers in August 2019.
He was shot and killed by police after officers stopped a van he was a passenger in. The vehicle was pulled over in connection with an alleged drug deal, and after the driver allegedly committed a traffic violation. Right before the incident, Downing gave an officer, who initiated the traffic stop, false biographical information.
Two other officers approached the van and one of them asked Downing to leave the vehicle, but he refused. A struggle ensued. Downing allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officers, and they shot and killed him in response. IMPD and the city of Indianapolis declined the family’s earlier requests to access a video of the incident.
In April 2021 a lawsuit was filed in Indiana’s Southern District federal court by Downing’s widow Latoi Downing. It seeks monetary damages and a jury trial against two officers who shot Downing.
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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.
