CHICAGO (CBS) — A family spoke out Monday on behalf of a man who last week was shot and killed by Elk Grove Village police while wielding a knife.
As CBS 2’s Tara Molina reported, the family said the man, Jack Murray, had a history of mental health issues – and they said police were well aware of that fact.
The family of the 24-year-old Murray said he had a history of calling police when he believed his health and wellness were in danger. Police told us Friday they’ve responded to the residence in the past.
They claim police knew him and his history, and they don’t accept the police narrative of the incident.
It was Friday afternoon at 4:27 p.m. when police told us multiple officers responded to a home in the 200 block of Fern Drive in Elk Grove Village. Police said Murray walked out with a knife, confronting the officers with a knife in hand.
Police say officers shot and killed Murray during the confrontation just a few doors down from his home. Initial reports said he was shot at least four times in the chest.
“He knew there was times he needed help quickly, and believed police could help him,” said Murray’s aunt, Liz Belcaster.
Belcaster spoke out on behalf of Murray’s family – who are now working with attorneys from Romanucci & Blandin. The firm has launched a civil investigation into Murray’s shooting death – focusing on the handling of what they are describing as a distress call.
Romanucci & Blandin
They say Murray was a type 1 diabetic, and the disease took a toll on his mental and physical health – with insulin levels impacting his behavior. They say Murray had a history of calling police when he felt his health and wellness were in danger, and frequently checked himself into the hospital.
The family believes Murray himself called police Friday. Attorneys say they have reason to believe he placed the call, but police haven’t confirmed that.
“We have many questions about what happened that day, and really just want answers,” said Belcaster.
The family is calling for the release of the 911 call in the incident, and body camera and dash camera video.
Attorneys said Elk Grove Village police haven’t responded to those requests – and until they do, it’s too early to file a lawsuit.
We’ve reached the Elk Grove Village Police Department about the law firm’s requests, and for a response to the investigation. Our specific questions had not been answered as of late Monday, but Elk Grove Village police did release this new statement:
“Firstly, the Village of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Village Police Department extend our sincere condolences to the family of the man involved in Friday’s tragic incident. Our prayers go out to Mr. Murray’s family as they grieve their loss.
“The following is a brief update on the incident that took place in Elk Grove Village last Friday afternoon.
“The Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT) is undertaking an independent investigation into this incident, which is ongoing. The Elk Grove Village Police Department has and will continue to provide whatever information and assistance MCAT needs to complete its investigation. The Elk Grove Village Police Department has already provided MCAT investigators footage of the body-worn cameras, and vehicle camera footage is available for their review.
“Additionally, the Elk Grove Village Police Department has been conducting a parallel criminal investigation in order gain a complete understanding of the events that led to the incident.
“Whenever there is a use-of-force incident involving a fatality, it is Department policy to place the Officers involved on temporary administrative leave as the investigation continues. As a result, five of the responding officers, not all of whom applied lethal force during the encounter, have been placed on temporary administrative leave as the investigation continues.
“Over the years, the Village has placed a priority on ensuring that Elk Grove Village Police officers have all the resources and training they need to handle any situation.
“We plan to share additional information about this incident publicly, including the audio from 9-1-1 dispatch, as well as the audio and video footage from the officers’ body-worn and vehicle cameras. We know that sharing this information in a transparent way will help our community better understand the events that unfolded last Friday afternoon. It is our goal to share this information as soon as we are can, after crucial investigative steps have been taken.”