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Protesters want answers, transparency in Dearborn police shooting investigation

Sarah Cwiek
/
Michigan Radio

Protesters shut down a busy stretch of Michigan Avenue in front of Dearborn Police headquarters Monday night.

They want more answers about the police shooting death of Kevin Matthews.

A Dearborn officer shot and killed Matthews, who was unarmed, after a car and foot chase that ended in Detroit last month. Matthews was reportedly wanted on a larceny charge.

The still-unidentified Dearborn officer says the two scuffled before the shooting.

But Matthews’ family says that’s only one side of the story. They maintain Matthews was mentally ill, but harmless.

His sister Kimberly Matthews says the family “won’t stop” until they get justice.

“Because my brother did not deserve to die. He did not,” Matthews said. “Anybody that knows him knows that he was a person, and he did not deserve this.”

Dearborn police cleared the way for the protest, which was peaceful.

Protesters said they want more transparency from the Dearborn police investigation, and for the officer’s identity to be revealed.

They also want an independent investigation into Matthews’ death.

Detroit Police are currently investigating, but activists have suggested they don't think their findings will be credible.

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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