CA Justice Department To Investigate Shooting Of Stephon Clark

SACRAMENTO, CA -- The state's Department of Justice announced Tuesday it will investigate the shooting death of an unarmed black man in Sacramento. The announcement comes after the police shooting that killed Stephon Clark, 23, earlier this month sparked outrage across the state.

Clark was killed March 18 when he was in his own backyard after officers received a report of a black man who broke car windows hiding in the area, police said. Arriving officers said Clark advanced toward them in a threatening manner and appeared to be holding a gun.

Officers shot 20 rounds at Clark, who was actually holding a cellphone.

The deadly shooting sparked protests across the state with Clark's grandmother publicly recounting the incident Monday.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra said his office will provide independent oversight of the investigation. The Department of Justice will also evaluate law enforcement policies, procedures, and practices to identify ways to achieve safer outcomes.

“I stand together with Sacramento law enforcement, city and community leaders to announce that the California Department of Justice will lend our experience to ensure the investigation into the tragic death of Stephon Clark is fair, thorough, and impartial,” Becerra said. “We take on this responsibility in full recognition of the importance of getting it right – because there is nothing more important than respect and trust between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect as we work to keep all Californians safe.”

The Department of Justice said its entering the investigation at the request of Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn.

--Photo credit: GoFundMe

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CA Black Man Killed In His Own Backyard