King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove released a statement on Thursday calling for a county inquest into the fatal shooting of Giovonn Joseph-McDade on June 24 by a Kent Police officer.
“I believe that we should be working together to foster healthy relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Upthegrove, of Des Moines, whose District 5 includes parts of Kent.
“In the interest of this goal, I am calling for a King County inquest into the fatal shooting of Giovonn Joseph-McDade. The family of Giovonn and I met this week – my heart goes out to them during this time of loss. Inquests provide transparency, and allow the public access to all of the facts established in court.”
Upthegrove also wants the King County Sheriff’s Office rather than the Valley Investigative Team, led by the Des Moines Police, to investigate the shooting. Des Moines Police have led the investigation since the shooting.
“I also support the family’s request to move the investigation of the fatal shooting from the local police departments to the King County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.
Joseph-McDade, 20, of Auburn, died from multiple gunshot wounds after he reportedly tried to use his vehicle to run over an officer after a short pursuit on the East Hill.
McDade played football at Kent-Meridian High School as a sophomore in 2012 and junior in 2013, according to MaxPreps.com.
At about 12:15 a.m. on June 24, a Kent Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop in the 25400 block of 104th Avenue Southeast near Applebee’s restaurant for an alleged traffic offense, according to a Des Moines Police media release. Joseph-McDade sped away from the officer.
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