Mother says she wants justice for 17-year-old son fatally shot by St. Louis police
Key Points:
- Emeshyon Wilkins, a 17-year-old described by his mother as a "goofy" teenager with a bright future, was fatally shot in the back of the head by a St. Louis police officer in June 2024 during an attempted stop of a reportedly stolen SUV.
- Newly released body camera footage contradicts initial police claims that Wilkins pointed a gun at officers; the video shows no weapon in his hands, and a disassembled, non-functional firearm was later found in his pocket.
- Wilkins' family alleges he legally purchased the vehicle with his own savings, unaware it was reported stolen, and his attorney criticizes the police narrative and handling of the case, highlighting issues of transparency and accountability.
- The officer who fired the shots, Detective Brett Carlson, invoked the Fifth Amendment during a deposition, refusing to answer key questions about the incident, body camera footage, and department procedures.
- The St. Louis police department acknowledged discrepancies in their initial public statements and updated protocols for reviewing body camera footage; the Circuit Attorney's Office is reviewing the case for potential charges, while Wilkins' mother demands accountability and justice.