Police Shooting Of Woman With Mental Illness Will Be Investigated
The Phoenix Police Chief has called for criminal and administrative investigations into the recent officer-involved fatal shooting of a woman being treated for mental illness.
Last week, 50-year-old Michelle Cusseaux was shot dead by an officer at the entrance to her Maryvale home. Police at the scene said she was holding a claw hammer above her head right before she was killed.
Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia said he wants a comprehensive internal investigation. He asked the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to review the department’s findings and make the final decision in the case.
“We will finish our investigation. But I want them to look at this investigation also independently because I want the community to trust our organization,” Garcia said.
He also said he wants Phoenix police officers to complete more training about how to deal with people who may have mental health problems. Garcia said that will make both officers and people in the community safer.