Inside the investigation of an officer who killed a teen threatening suicide | Visual Forensics

[@stephenmedley9000]

Incidents like this should be investigated by possibly a group like a jury panel. Not connected to the police or their union. Currently it’s like having a shoplifter frisk themselves and declaring themselves not guilty because their self check didn’t find and anything stollen.

[@morrisdonte7064]

Hi Stephen how are you??

[@burgundybutterflies4910]

I agree 💯. The cops was Bent on shooting his gun. So sad

[@darleneclarke4001]

@@burgundybutterflies4910 Had the kid labeled before they got there

[@michaelhalstead7532]

To shoot that many times was absolutely unnecessary that cop should be behind bars in my opinion

[@dianahill5116]

Remove law enforcement qualified immunity. End No-Knock Warrants.

[@erichkorman710]

He said himself he is a coward who feared for his life from an unarmed teenager slowly backing out of his garage

[@DarknessFalls29]

The department was quick with everything. The investigation which was one-sided, their responses, and the settlement. Even the lawsuit settlement was quick. Smh. Peace be upon the victim and his family.

[@justicefor-all3129]

Police should not police themselves. Criminals should not police themselves either. There’s a reason for this.

[@darleneclarke4001]

@@justicefor-all3129 This kids crime ?

[@justicefor-all3129]

@@darleneclarke4001 the officers “potential” crime.

[@dianahill5116]

Remove law enforcement qualified immunity. End No-Knock Warrants.

[@morrisdonte7064]

Hi Diana how are you?

[@danielrivera5738]

And hire brave officers, " not the ones that fear for their lives, I mean firefighters are more at risk

[@martinwhite418]

Why are you mentioning "qualified immunity"? What do you think this would accomplish in this case?

[@dianahill5116]

@@martinwhite418 Throughout the history of the United States law enforcement have proven they can commit various crimes with little or no consequences. The public is not informed of crimes such as and not limited to: falsifying documents, planting evidence, abuse of power, aggressive behavior, sexual misconduct, stealing money and drugs, targeting poor people or minorities, and gang activity within their own departments; to name a few problems. The LA County Sheriff's have a severe gang problem within their department. They actually have Sheriff's that have special tattoos; depicting their gang affiliation within their department.

[@dianahill5116]

Corrupt and criminal law enforcement endanger other officers and civilians.

[@cheyennetapiasmith9056]

Let's be honest. He had every intention of killing the young man, he emptied his gun.

[@w.i.t.c.h.1330]

Absolutely, he was reacting AFTER being in danger. If he had fired while the boy was backing up I MIGHT be able to see their stance, but this was 100% wrong.

[@barbhelle5481]

So sad for the young man and his family. He needed help and instead was murdered. God bless his family.

[@RaptorPilot700]

The typical Internal Audit rubber stamp reads 'We've investigated ourselves and found no wrong doing'. I don't know, when I see a vehicle backing towards me, I just simply step out of the path of the vehicle. I definitely don't purposely step in the path of the vehicle, draw my firearm and shoot the driver, and then cry like a baby about how I was in fear of being hit by the vehicle.

[@Kthb80]

He could’ve just shot the tires out of the car and it wouldn’t have gone anywhere either.

[@2g2t53]

Although was the officer did was disgusting, that is absolutely not true.

[@felisasepulveda8753]

Yup but maybe after he still would of went down by suicide by cop.

[@felisasepulveda8753]

@@2g2t53 u know this how?

[@2g2t53]

@@felisasepulveda8753 Because shooting a tire does not magically stop a vehicle? Lets be logical here buddy.

[@martinwhite418]

Your logic has no logic.

[@darththork99]

Notice that the cop was standing very close in the blind spot. Kid couldn't even see him. So from his perspective, he's backing out of the driveway, and suddenly gets shot from nowhere.

[@neill392]

Basically he panicked and blasted away. Not really the skillset you want in a police officer.

[@Johnyrocket70]

Don't call police on family.

[@TheCommunicationCoach]

"This video contains graphic content." That's like trying to scare ants away from a picnic by spreading sugar on the ground.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

All his military training kicked in: sneak up on the target, block and fire: pure military.

[@pv8340]

would you say thats the problem with these guys, they use tactics they would use in war situations and not policing.?

[@bcad4066]

It's a police tactic. Jump in the path of the vehicle then say, "he tried to run me over."

[@pv8340]

Whats worse about this whole sitution is the officer almost got a bonus payment for killing. In what profession do you get awarded money while at the same time, your asked to resign?

[@toastiesburned9929]

Man, if there weren't so many bad apples, I might think apples were good...

[@toastiesburned9929]

If it's a 50/50 shot of getting a bad apple every time, you would probably get sick to your stomach at the sight of someone enjoying an apple.

[@isisbeck2374]

there's no ONE bad apple the WHOLE damn tree is rotten from the roots up. one just can't ever trust police anymore hell I'm not a criminal and I always obey the law but I promise I fear for my life and others lives whenever cops are present.

[@358Disaster]

You heard the man. They killed his son and he still isn't anti police. Is there anything they could do that would change his mind?

[@bcad4066]

When you call the police for a suicidal person they will happily show up and finish the job.

[@beckystarrski]

He had an entire yard to run around to avoid the killer van.🙄

[@aabill1950]

New training for police? How to get out of the way of a moving car. Instructors: any ten year old kid.

[@Paper_Trader]

God really need to bless America, if an officer acts this way and that country needs a national level investigation to be conducted.

[@patsanters2741]

Back@ Com Mentist - Agree ^ Im from UK and know such ^ ..I also think your |President knows such and most people do .

[@lucas-spiegel]

"officer-involved" is an intentionally vague passive voice PR term. Do better, WaPo.

[@joshuahunter2825]

Police are called to deescalate a potential suicidal teen, bring deadly force and use it. If the police decides to justify this shooting, then this Police Department is staying that the actions of this Officer is justified and correct. This town should not call this Police Department for help, unless it is a gun fight, Do Not Call This Department. This Department has shown approval of deadly force when called to deescalate. People living in this town would be wise to call the police department of the town over.

[@lolawants2008]

The prosecutor declared it justified so I think he’s walking free 🤮

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

Outstanding piece of journalism.

[@morrisdonte7064]

Hi Eleanor how are you?

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

@@morrisdonte7064 Still hanging in there after all these centuries of raising kings and queens and giving the world Richard the Lion Hearted and good manners. I need a break.

[@morrisdonte7064]

@@eleanoraquitaine2966 so where do you live?

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

@@morrisdonte7064 On a cloud with a perfect view of Earth.

[@garystolz1878]

Need to have a third party investigation not ran or owned by the people other words non governmental assigned to it

[@EricaShady10171972]

If the parents were not well off the cops would have gotten away with it

[@Craigdavid9912]

Hello 👋 Erica

[@DarknessFalls29]

@Sally Brookner True. But in a sense he "got away with it" until WaPo released this detailed investigation. Now years later, the justice dept. is involved.

[@frankjames874]

Hello 👋

[@calvinbrown1995]

I am sorry but the police in Kansas. We're talking to shoot 1st and never ask questions later.

[@shondasmith5470]

Another unjustifiable cop killing shooting cover up in my opinion. RIP Young Man, My Condolences goes out to the family and friends.

[@Justice4ALL1961]

If you want to stop your loved one from committing suicide go ahead and call the police they'll escalate the situation every time. Saved the young person the trouble 😤

[@latanyamcpherson9948]

This is very very sad. That poor family. It would have been very easy for that police officer to shoot the tires out or simply let that child drive off. They knew what he was driving and could have got him when it was safe to do so. It is appears to me that the officer was triggered by some experience because he placed him self in danger by stepping behind the van. The problem is when police have been clearly negligent they are not held accountable. Why are pilots held to a high standard. They are randomly drug and alcohol tested to insure the public is safe. Why are we not applying these same standards to those who can make an arbitrary decision to take a human beings life! Things must change because if they do not I believe the public will reach a boiling point. Holding people accountable insures civility. Once people conclude that they can't get justice all bets will be off. I hope we as a society will act before it's to late. Shalom.

[@MrsznewyawkRN]

17yo is a TOUGH AGE to be and, pretty sure many in the comments can relate ; poor boy he NEVER really / truly started to LIVE 😞

[@FdatJ125]

Teenagers are in a very hard place mentally honestly. Half of them felt forgotten or that they don't matter. They feel like their life holds no weight.

[@dkyt9256]

We need to do something about this. We are not going to let this go.

[@aaroncoulter3462]

I’m sorry but this is absolutely inexcusable. This cop needs some kind of punishment

[@martinwhite418]

I would need to see more video. The van driver would have to have knowledge that there was a person that they could back over. Without the knowledge that there is a person that they could back over, there can't be an intent to back over the officer. Also, the van doesn't appear to accelerate until the driver is being shot at. Most people would try to get away from gunfire. This doesn't look too good for the officer.

[@confidentialprivateusa6519]

SMH. How can you fear being run over when you only have to step to the left or right side of the driveway pad.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Law Enforcement just KEEPS ON EARNING THE HATE!!

[@Bastille1918]

Cop said he thought the teen was going to run him over. Then why didn’t you just move out of the way?

[@felisasepulveda8753]

The kid wanted to leave and harm himself not no one else .The officer feared for his life??

[@jamesmitchell8542]

Ignorance is blissful when you're in power

[@r.t.rakubio5088]

Do we let criminals investigate each other’s crimes? Why do we let law enforcement do it?

[@Denise-rt9iz]

I pray God gives this family strength and their beautiful child rest in the arms of God.

[@morrisdonte7064]

Hi Denise how are you?

[@marydavis7978]

God doesn't have arms!😃😃😃

[@stevenconnelly1468]

Who are we suppose to call now when we are in trouble?

[@RiseAgainstDisciple]

imagine when society partially collapses and everyone has to pay the price for their actions? Heavy foreshadowing

[@dianadowie3985]

This is so sad beyond words.

[@miroslavka1913]

My opinion is this police officer should never work in the police force and should never have a gun. 20 years in prison.

[@sittingindetroit9204]

These cops on the investigation team know that someday, another group of cops may be investigating them.......

[@aaroncoulter3462]

This just goes to show, if you truly want to help someone, don’t ever ever call the police.

[@edwardfrench6]

Only in America! RIP John ❤️

[@Pbav8tor]

When I close my eyes, this story loses the distorting lens of race, and finds a greater truth.

[@jerraddennis2225]

damn man. i feel for the kid and all. but my immediate reaction was it’s justified. yea the second volley is ehh.. maybe don’t empty the clip. but i can see why he thought he was gonna get run over. edit: i watched more of the video.. nevermind.

[@BMrider75]

Good reporting Wapo

[@jimmyjohnson5475]

PTSD kicked in dangerous police officer

[@Thaddeus28]

If they had only sent a social worker

[@docwolfe77]

Very tough call with a lot of nuance.

[@alirE2904]

Cops: we'll make sure to take care of that.

[@brendatenorio5721]

Need special psychology team to deal with special situations, psychological assessments for entry n aptitude tests for law enforcement, then annual psych evaluations.

[@frostbite3318]

Good luck getting the funding for that

[@Craigdavid9912]

Hello 👋 Brenda

[@glennwall552]

I hope they get justice S this was a unwarranted shooting.

[@dmiller1914]

I don't understand since a guy was backing up why didn't officer just stay in his car and let the guy leave why run out behind him and tell him to stop and shoot at him

[@jamesmitchell8542]

He should have gotten charged

[@confidentialprivateusa6519]

If I were John Albers' parents, rest assured that I'd take the matter to seek justice in my own hands and, unfortunately, wouldn't care about any potential consequences thereafter. This officer put himself in danger and used deadly force to alleviate the perceived risk, which serves without basis and merit.

[@Tupelo927]

Is Jenison still in law enforcement?

[@josephschwartz6549]

This cop seemed so happy and rejoicing on this child’s death. There was no remorse and his life was not in jeopardy. Any cop can shoot anybody if they please for they’re pleasure and just say they felt they’re feeling wer hurt and because of that they’re life was in danger

[@mamaintraining6818]

Hmmm suddenly really craving bacon.

[@persiankingish]

All fun and games till it happens with you.

[@TheChrisgralnic]

They were wrong . But the family took the 2.3 million.

[@Aviatorpeck1957]

As long as the wolves investigate the wolves this will continue to happen RIP kid this should be a lesson "WE THE PEOPLE" never call the police in a mental health crisis Keep your loved ones safe and alive This cop will surely live in guilt and shame as time passes it will get worse for him this is why cops have high addiction problems

[@ronemtae3468]

This should be a lesson to everybody you should have cameras on your house you should pull your phone out and record every time you talk with a cup

[@martinwhite418]

Unless pulling your phone out gets you shot.

[@lyfewithpiglet582]

Um you have to have pretty good speed to do a j turn

[@nicholasmacrury4810]

Office jenison is a murderer

[@flp376]

Suicide by cop happens all of the time. The kid should not have been in the van nearly hitting an officer. When an officer gives an order you follow it or you will potentially die not matter what. Letting this kid drive away while distraught could have led to an innocent party being hurt or killed.

[@Emma-33]

This was 2 months ago put sorry I’m usually 100% pro cops but no you are mistaken here. He never identified himself as a cop strike 1. Are you comfortable taking an experiment? Randomly one day, when you are pulling out of your driveway I’ll walk up and give orders from directly behind you. I’ll open fire if wheels don’t stop immediately

[@johnhbaldwin9178]

You think these officers are out there to protect you, well think again, they are not. They could have just let this kid drive away because he was not endangering anyone's life.

[@cowboyx9380]

Until he carries out his suicide by busting a redlight at 90MPH, killing a family or two…then the cops “Shoulda done…..” maybe the kid shoulda put it in park, and got help?

[@johnhbaldwin9178]

@@cowboyx9380 Yeah sure, you're projecting about something that never happened. He called for help and the help killed him. He should have called a tow truck at the least he may have committed suicide after looking at the bill.

[@cowboyx9380]

@@johnhbaldwin9178 Naw, i dont “project” thats a libtard term improperly used by uneducated libtards…. And tbh, im perfectly fine with sorry azz snowflakes choosing NOT to call the police everytime some disfunctional twit posts whiney crybaby crap on social media.

[@jonathantepairi2664]

As in any police involved shooting or ois,how are they supposed to talk to a person on a welfare check ,after shooting 1to2 minutes into the encounter ,I'm sure that the people with any lick of sense would have had time to step aside a car rolling out the garage at 2 miles an hour and also they are supposed to id before engaging that fact alone constitutes criminal neglect for failing to annouce officer on scene

[@brendatenorio5721]

Move out of the way.

[@jimmyjohnson5475]

My son lost his life 2 months ago police does not want to release Freedom Information Act told me I would have to hire a lawyer will any help me please reply if you can help unanswered Questions leave me a reply

[@martinwhite418]

What state did this occur?

[@lolawants2008]

Contact the NAACP

[@paulsultana8683]

First mistake was his mate callin the Cops 👮‍♀️ R.I.P.

[@baronmilhaven11]

Justified. Fully.

[@stevepellew8021]

Another pay off and the rest sweept under the carpet... The officer or officers should have communicated with John asking him John what had brought you to this point in your life right now Tell us and we will lead you to the right people for your help... Drawing a gun and shooting the 17 year old boy isn't that answer... John clearly needed help. The officers need further training in communications with situations like this... We are not just your target practice... To much orthority and miss information leads to death not life 😔

[@michaeladkins6859]

They Murdered that Boy

[@Emma-33]

Police need to have an insurance they need to carry like doctors. Imagine as regular drivers if we had our insurance covered by the government. We would behave completely differently if no risk to our premiums. Never walk behind a car in driveway with engine on golee

[@jwheeler1106]

Time to riot.

[@x0xLuxuriiousx0x]

Johnson County had to be the shadiest place I’ve ever worked. And if Trina Johnson or Robert Sullivan had anything to say chances are they were lies. Especially Trina. John was a very emotional teen, but he wouldn’t hurt anyone, MH is serious. Had John been in his right state of mine this would’ve never happened. Johnson County is huge on trauma informed care, but seeing as how it’s more so protect your own, John will never receive the justice he so much deserves.

[@jayreyes2388]

That was not a justified shooting wtf 😳

[@johnnychavez4563]

The officer caused a scene he took advantage of a reversing car when the van did not pose a threat to him it simply was reversing not at threatn speed nor did the van target the police officer it rolled out at a very slow normal speed the officer got behind van he seein other cops approaching and he had the chance to do something about the van that was rolling back defying his commands in which he made a determination that he could take advantage of the situation and lift himself up with great suspense whñh

[@terrivangundy]

Dirty Police Department CYA😡

[@davidsiracuse6672]

The WP is not known for being the pillar of credibility.

[@spaceofsound1]

By just looking at this police officer's face, you can tell that he is not the type that would think rationally, in other words, he is simply stupid. A test is a must to be an applicant/candidate for police officer's job. Their IQ and how she/he would/could use commonsense in cases where there is no visible danger to the police and over-all respond to any situation.

[@brittanyericsson3289]

Oh gosh no gun but he had a car wow. They can give this officer a clean shooting but it's not. Let her have her son you killer. Tuff the killer gets no tears he gets to go home and party

[@mikethomas5992]

You tell me that cop couldn’t get out the way and shoot the tires. Don’t give me that he thought he’s gotta run them over come on now.

[@sethfroman7044]

The cop literally put himself in harms way and jumped behind the moving van, and then claimed self defense. DUHHH. And I think we need to take a hard look at hiring ex military members as law enforcement. Many have mental health issues and being in the military and then going into public service and two completely different careers.

[@vinnyvincent2862]

While most police shootings are justified ! What is never justified is the amount of bullets they are allowed to use ! Which often results in Overkill ! . R.I.P. ❤🙏

[@rodneyearl3137]

Killer coo! Killed that boy! BS!

[@alntr2872]

This is what the African American community has been talking about for decades. Absolutely nothing of substance has been done to correct this issue, now it’s happening more and more in other neighborhoods. So the wider community holds some responsibility for this issue because the wider community ignored the calls of their fellow Americans, who are dark skinned and thus hold some responsibility for what is happening.

[@mrcee8955]

Facts but they will never admit it!

[@brittanyericsson3289]

Hope he never gets another good night's sleep he is a killer

[@richieb9881]

Color me shocked , government protecting government, we are the pesky citizens.

[@Brenglezote]

the police helped the person who was about to commit suicide

[@BlackYellow07]

Call our heroes to show up and execute. Bravery

[@franciasii2435]

ew

[@barnold23]

civilian investigators.

[@honeyafun7450]

cowards and liars 😪

[@13orrax]

WP has been watching Jim can't swim videos

[@YengPodMingAnalyst]

Sadly see the story

[@1Yogaboy]

Pos Cop said he wants to die I'll take care of it and did just that.

[@brittanyericsson3289]

Oh he wanted target practice so he shot first. BLUE GANGBANGERS.