Accident – Death – Obituary News :
SUITLAND, Maryland
In a recent exclusive report by FOX 5, a family is speaking out after the release of body-worn camera footage that captured the fatal shooting of a man inside his Maryland apartment. The incident, which took place in Suitland, has left the community in shock.
Details of the Incident
The tragic event unfolded on February 1, when Prince George’s County police responded to a 911 call reporting a breaking and entering at an apartment in the 5100 block of Suitland Road. The responding officer, identified as Braxton Shelton, encountered 31-year-old Melvin Jay inside the apartment.
Shelton, who was in uniform, was seen on the body camera video kicking open the front door with his gun drawn. He then instructed Jay to show his hands before firing a fatal shot as Jay moved towards the kitchen. Jay tragically lost his life in his own home.
Family’s Reaction
Upon viewing the distressing footage, Jay’s family expressed their devastation. In an emotional interview with FOX 5’s Shomari Stone, Jay’s cousin shared the profound impact of the loss, stating, “We are hurt. We are just tormented by the video, the fact that we cannot hear him, hug him, say ‘I love you,’ it’s just devastating to all of us.”
The family is seeking justice for Jay, with their attorney, Andrew Clark, emphasizing that the shooting was unjustified. Clark highlighted the need for accountability in such cases, questioning the circumstances that led to Jay’s tragic death.
Ongoing Investigation
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division is currently leading the investigation into the shooting. Meanwhile, Officer Shelton has been placed on paid administrative leave as the case unfolds.
The community in Suitland remains shaken by the events that transpired in the apartment on that fateful day. As the investigation progresses, the hope for transparency and justice lingers in the hearts of Jay’s loved ones and the wider community.
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