Polis calls for independent probe into police shooting of De’Von Bailey; Springs Mayor Suthers responds
Gov. Jared Polis recommended Thursday that an independent review be conducted into the Colorado Springs police shooting of 19-year-old De’Von Bailey, saying it would “maintain public trust and confidence” in a controversial case.
Such review is important, given the racial tensions across the nation and questions raised by the city residents, Polis said in a statement.
Democratic Governor Jared Polis is singling out this one shooting – saying he wants an independent investigation.
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“I encourage the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office to consider turning the investigation’s findings over to another local jurisdiction for independent review, and if warranted, additional information gathering,” he said in the statement.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, who opposes an independent investigation, said Polis “appears politically motivated.”
“I’m concerned that he suggests a precedence with impacts he has not yet considered and does not understand, to include undermining the will of the people, who elected the public officials charged with carrying out legal responsibilities,” Suthers said in a statement Thursday.
He said the governor’s statement fails to cite any “legal or ethical basis” that would require 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May to recuse himself.
Suthers acknowledged the emotion that the shooting is causing but again urged patience.
“Some in our community are experiencing a great deal of emotion. I recognize that and empathize with all impacted. But this is a time for healing and allowing legal processes to run their course and not to act with political expedience.”
But Bailey’s family is “in total agreement” with the governor, said Mari Newman, one of their attorneys. “In order for the community and the family to have any faith whatsoever in the integrity of the investigation, it needs to be a truly independent body”
“Any prosecutorial decision should be made by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office,” Newman added. An impartial investigation could be led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, she said.
He said the governor’s statement fails to cite any “legal or ethical basis” that would require 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May to recuse himself.
Suthers acknowledged the emotion that the shooting is causing but again urged patience.
“Some in our community are experiencing a great deal of emotion. I recognize that and empathize with all impacted. But this is a time for healing and allowing legal processes to run their course and not to act with political expedience.”
But Bailey’s family is “in total agreement” with the governor, said Mari Newman, one of their attorneys. “In order for the community and the family to have any faith whatsoever in the integrity of the investigation, it needs to be a truly independent body”
“Any prosecutorial decision should be made by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office,” Newman added. An impartial investigation could be led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, she said.
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