Family of Autistic Boy Incredibly Disappointed as Utah DA Declines to Prosecute Officer in Shooting
The family of Lindon Cameron, a 13-year-old autistic boy shot by police in 2020, expressed their disappointment as the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office announced they would not be prosecuting Officer Matthew Farillas involved in the incident. While District Attorney Sim Gill acknowledged the shooting was unjustified, his office felt they did not have enough evidence to pursue charges against Officer Farillas.
The decision has left Cameron’s family feeling let down and concerned about the lack of accountability. Civil suit attorney Nathan Morris, representing the family, stated that they grieve Gill’s decision, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and a contributing factor to the erosion of public trust in law enforcement. Morris also expressed concern about the confusion this decision may cause in future allegations of police misconduct within the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), as Gill’s unwillingness to prosecute may set a precedent.
However, Morris did acknowledge the progress made in the family’s civil lawsuit against the SLCPD, which resulted in a significant settlement and the department’s commitment to improved training and communication. He emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to reform police departments and make the streets safer for everyone, including individuals with invisible disabilities like autism.
In response to the family’s disappointment, the SLCPD released a statement following the announcement, offering their perspective on the situation. The department emphasized their dedication to transparency, training, and accountability. They acknowledged that the shooting was tragic and expressed their commitment to ongoing reforms within the department to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The decision not to prosecute Officer Farillas has ignited a call to action from the family, who are urging the media and the public to investigate the District Attorney’s lack of prosecutions and hold him accountable. They also expressed frustration with the nearly three-year-long process leading up to this decision, claiming it was designed to reduce visibility and distance Gill’s decision from public scrutiny. The family believes that these decisions should be made more promptly to provide closure to victims of police violence.
As emotions surrounding public shootings remain high, Cameron’s family is disappointed by what they perceive as a lack of courage on Gill’s part to hold Officer Farillas accountable. They hope that their case will shed light on the need for greater transparency, better training, and prompt accountability within law enforcement agencies.
While this decision may raise concerns about the handling of future allegations against SLCPD officers, it also highlights the ongoing dialogue and efforts towards police reform. It is crucial for all stakeholders to continue working towards a fair and just system that respects the rights and safety of every individual.
