Detroit Evening Report: Medical report finds Detroit police shot Porter Burks 19 times, family suing for $50 million
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The family of Porter Burks, a Black man fatally shot during an early morning confrontation with Detroit police, is suing the city for $50 million.
Five unnamed officers are also part of the wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday by attorney Geoffrey Fieger. The suit claims gross negligence and assault and battery, among other things.
Burks’ death was recorded by police body cameras as officers pleaded with him to drop a knife he was carrying. An autopsy revealed that officers shot the 20-year-old 19 times. Police say Burks had schizophrenia.
“The autopsy report indicates no shots were fired in close range, and that he was hit at least 19 times. He was executed by shots to the head, to the face, to the chest, to the arms, to the legs,” Fieger said during a news conference at his Southfield office held the same day the lawsuit was filed.
DPD says they will continue advocating for mental health resources in response to the lawsuit.
Other headlines for November 2, 2022:
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for phase 1 completion of Joe Louis Greenway
- Detroit City Council rejects ordinance requiring public display of health code grades at bars and restaurants
- Dearborn health department hosting free booster clinic and health screenings for residents
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