No charges against officer who fatally shot Native woodcarver

Wednesday, February 16, 2011  

Prosecutors in King County, Washington, won't file charges against a Seattle police officer who fatally shot John T. Williams, a traditional woodcarver.

The county conducted an inquest into the death of Williams. A jury returned a mixed verdict, with some members finding that Williams, who was a member of the Dididaht First Nation of British Columbia, did not pose at threat when he was shot and killed on August 30, 2010.

Officer Ian Birk has been on paid leave since the incident. He could face internal discipline, or firing, now that the Seattle Police Firearms Review Board has concluded that the shooting was not justified.

The Seattle Times said two news conferences are scheduled today to discuss the case.

Get the Story:
No charges against Seattle officer who shot woodcarver (The Seattle Times 2/16)

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