This Kansas City Cop Shot a Black Man Dead, and the Details Behind it Will Infuriate You
The Kansas City police officer accused of shooting and killing a Black man in his own backyard in 2019 just got more bad news. While currently serving time on state charges for the shooting, a judge revealed he could also face federal charges following a shocking discovery.
U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips ruled Wednesday that former Kansas City Officer Eric DeValkenaere violated the constitutional rights of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb, per The Associated Press . The incident occurred Dec. 3, 2019 when police say Lamb got into an argument with his ex-girlfriend which resulted in a speed chase between the two.
KCPD officers said DeValkenaere and another responding officer approached Lamb's vehicle as he pulled into his driveway . DeValkenaere then entered his backyard from the opposite side, knocked over a makeshift fence and shot Lamb within seconds. Lamb died on the scene, authorities said.
DeValkenaere was slammed with state charges following the incident. At his trial, he testified that Lamb pointed a gun at his colleague moments before the shooting. Prosecutors claimed DeValkenaere and his buddy framed the scene to make it appear as though Lamb was a threat . However, Judge Phillips said the colleague in question stated he never saw a gun, the report says.
In fact, she said DeValkenaere had no legal reason to be in the backyard in the first place, considering he and the other officers entered the property without a warrant and without asking permission.
DeValkenaere was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in 2021. While he currently serves his six-year prison sentence, he may now face federal charges for violating Lamb's Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure, per Phillips' ruling.
On the family's claims of excessive force, the judge offered no judgement. However, a wrongful death lawsuit is still pending against the officer and the Kansas City police board, per the report.
