WILMINGTON, D.E. (KYW Newsradio) — The family of a 19-year-old shot and killed by Wilmington Police on June 24 is suing the city for $25 million following the release of three police body camera videos partially showing what unfolded on the night of the shooting.
The videos were released by the Delaware Department of Justice.
Body camera video from three different officers shows them arriving at 24th and Jessup Streets in Northeast Wilmington around 11 p.m. on June 24 and running after Kadir Skinner.
In one video, an officer appears to shoot Skinner, cuff him, and repeatedly tell a gathering crowd that Skinner had a gun. Skinner says multiple times in the video that he can’t breath as he lays handcuffed on the ground.
Police said they were dealing with a large crowd that night, and claimed they saw Skinner exit a home and point a gun at the crowd.
Hours after the video was released, Skinner’s family held a press conference and announced a $25 million lawsuit against the city.
“No amount of money can get this son back,” said Harry Daniels, one of the family’s attorneys. “It's not enough, but we are going to do everything we can do in our power to get some redress and get a measure of justice.”
Chance Lynch, a civil rights attorney also representing the family, said witnesses have told them Skinner was running from a dog, not the police.
“When he was running away from the police officer, how was he a threat to that police officer? How are you a threat when you are running away?” said Lynch.
Officials said the officer who shot Skinner is on administrative leave. The Delaware Attorney General said the officer’s name is being withheld until an investigation is complete.
Skinner was shot and killed by a Wilmington police officer on June 24.
Skinner was shot and killed by a Wilmington police officer on June 24.
