A knife that was carried by John T. Williams, a traditional Native woodcarver who was fatally shot by police officer, was found in the closed position minutes after the incident, The Seattle Times reports.

Williams, who often carried a knife and wood around Seattle, was killed on August 30. The officer who confronted him said the knife blade was visible.

But sources told the paper that wasn't the case when the knife was recovered at the scene. And a knife expert said it would be impossible for the blade to close by itself.

The Seattle Police Department's Firearms Review Board has ruled the shooting as unjustified. An inquest will be held to recommend whether criminal charges are warranted against Officer Ian Birk.

Williams, 50, was a member of the Dididaht First Nation of British Columbia.

Get the Story:
Newest turn in shooting: Carver's knife found shut (The Seattle Times 11/10)
Police shooting death of John Williams ‘not justified’ (Indian Country Today 11/10)

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