District Attorney's Office says FBI investigating "use of force" in shooting death of Dontre Hamilton
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned the FBI is investigating the "use of force" in connection with the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton. 31-year-old Hamilton was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer on April 30th in Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office tells FOX6 News the FBI is reviewing the specific question of the use of force. We're told a national use of force expert is also reviewing the use of force in this case.
The D.A.'s Office says a local police agency has already reviewed the use of force in this case. Which agency that is, hasn't been made clear.
The D.A.'s Office issued this statement to FOX6 News:
"We regularly consult with federal law enforcement authorities on incidents involving the use of force by police officers.
Our office received the completed (Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation) reports several weeks ago. The new law (requiring an outside agency investigate all officer-involved shooting incidents) established a process for a more independent review of officer involved fatalities. We will receive independent opinions about the use of force that will inform the ultimate decision in this case.
It is important to make this decision as soon as possible, but it is more important that the decision be reached after a thorough and independent review of all the facts and circumstances of this case."
The announcement that the FBI is looking into the use of force in the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton comes on the same day that community activist, Tracey Dent announced a petition calling for a change to the state's Legislature.
Dent is calling for an amendment to the Legislature that would create a time limit in which information must be released in cases like these.
Dent says, for example, the name of the officer involved in cases like this should be released within 30 days, and the findings of investigations involving police officers should be released within 60 days.
Tuesday, September 30th marked five months since Dontre Hamilton's death.
His family members and other supporters have expressed frustration that they have yet to receive answers in the case -- even five months later.
They want the name of the officer who shot and killed Dontre Hamilton to be made public, and they'd like the injuries the officer is said to have suffered that day to be detailed.
Of course -- they're also awaiting a charging decision in the case.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has asked for a second independent investigation in the case. The state's Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation has already concluded its investigation, and handed its report over to the District Attorney's Office.
The District Attorney's Office will make the final decision as to whether any charges will be filed in Dontre Hamilton's death.
CLICK HERE for complete coverage of the Dontre Hamilton case via FOX6Now.com.