*This is a developing story.
The Richmond Police Department (RPD) announced yesterday that it will release the “body-worn” footage of the officer-involved shooting last Monday, which ended in the death of school teacher, Marcus-David Peters. A press release issued by the RPD said, “Continuing its commitment to transparency, the Richmond Police Department plans to release the body-worn camera video of the police-involved shooting last Monday. Chief Alfred Durham has offered the first opportunity to show the video to the family of Marcus-David Peters.”
According to the statement, the footage will be released once the family of Peters has had a chance to view it. “My primary concern during this difficult time has been for the family and for my officer,” said Chief Durham in the release, going on to say the family remains “greatly affected” by the “tragic loss of life.”
The RPD has said that the footage will be made available to the public during a press conference once the family has had a chance to view it. Subsequently, they have also announced that the department will review their training “covering the use of deadly force.” The press release also alluded to the fact that the video will help clear up any misinformation surrounding the case and that “the facts are what should matter”.
Durham finished by saying, “The Richmond Police Department has worked hard to develop trust with the community…I hope that by releasing this video we can maintain that positive relationship.”
Photo by City of Richmond