PITTSBURGH — The family of a man who was mistakenly shot and killed by Pittsburgh police officers who were responding to a reported home invasion demanded Tuesday that homicide charges be filed in the case.
Two Pittsburgh police officers shot and killed Christopher Thompkins, 57, in January while responding to a reported home burglary in Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood.
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When police responded to the burglary and attempted to gain entry into the home in the 100 block of Finley Street, Thompkins began firing shots in the direction of officers who were on the front porch, Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Sonya Toler said. She said the officers returned fire, killing him.
Juan Brian Jetter-Clark, the man who prompted the police response, was in court Tuesday and waived his right to a full hearing on a charge of trespassing in connection with the incident.
Thompkins’ relatives were more than willing to share their outrage with Channel 11 News over the fact that Jeter-Clark was only charged with trespassing.
While the man police said was the actual intruder, Jeter Clark, remains out on bail and didn't want to talk about what he was doing that night -- Thompkins was killed.
“It's a home invasion. If it wasn't for him, my cousin wouldn't be dead,” Boss Man, Thompkins’ cousin, said. “I think it's a bunch of bull crap. The dude should be in jail. He still should be sitting in jail.”
The two Pittsburgh police officers who the Pittsburgh Police Bureau said mistook Thompkins for the real intruder were back on the job by early February.
“We've been calling (the District Attorney’s Office). Ain't nobody responding. They still haven't told us who the two officers are or anything,” Man said.
Thompkins' cousin told Channel 11 News the two Zone 5 officers, who have never been named publicly, should be held accountable
“We just want justice, and the right answers,” Man said.
Channel 11 News contacted the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office to ask when a decision is expected in the police-involved shooting. A spokesperson said the case “remains under review."
Cox Media Group
