Philip Rhoades
In August 2017, 28-year-old Philip Jontz Rhoades was shot and killed by police officers in Marion County, Virginia.
The police pursued him on suspicion of car theft. The chase ended when police started shooting at Rhoades’ vehicle. According to police, officers opened fire because they thought Rhoades wanted to run them by car. Rhoades died from his injuries.
Rhoades’ relatives have filed a lawsuit against the police and dispute the police’s version. According to them, the evidence proves that Rhoades’ car was not moving towards the police. Lawyers for the family of the deceased believe that the police should not have used firearms.
In July 2021, the jury justified the police shooting and did not press charges against the officers.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
The lawsuit states: “Importantly, when reviewing the radio traffic and 911 call records from the July 25th Failed Pursuit, there does not appear to be any mention of Mr. Rhoades attempting to harm anyone — only that shots had been fired by the police and that residents in the area heard the gunshots.”
Times West Virginian
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.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
