Unarmed 13-Year-Old Boy with Autism Shot by Police Sparks Controversy and Injustice Debate
Prosecutors in Utah have declined to file charges against a Salt Lake City police officer who shot and badly wounded an unarmed 13-year-old boy with autism. The incident occurred in September 2020 after the boy’s mother called 911 for help during her son’s breakdown. The shooting sparked widespread scrutiny and raised questions about how police respond to calls involving people with mental illness.
Linden Cameron, the victim in this case, reached a $3 million settlement with Salt Lake City last year in a civil lawsuit over the life-changing injuries and emotional trauma he suffered. Although Salt Lake County District Attorney Sam Gill labeled the shooting as unjustified, he decided not to charge the officer due to conflicting opinions from use-of-force experts who reviewed the case.
Gill stated in a letter to the city’s police department, We cannot say that the shooting of an unarmed 13-year-old child suffering a mental health crisis was reasonable. However, he expressed concerns about meeting the burden of proof in court due to the conflicting expert opinions.
The officer involved in the shooting is still employed at the Salt Lake City Police Department but is on modified duty. The department is currently reviewing the district attorney’s findings, and an internal review is underway.
Responding to the decision, Linden Cameron expressed disappointment, calling it a miscarriage of justice. His family’s attorney, Nathan Morris, believed there was sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges and accused Salt Lake prosecutors of applying a double standard for the officer. Morris stated, When it comes to police, if there’s a scintilla of doubt, they decide not to prosecute. Clearly, it was an unjustified shooting.
The incident took place when officers responded to the boy’s mother’s call for assistance with her autistic son, who has sensory issues. The mother had informed the officers that police presence triggered her son’s fear, leading to potential defensive reactions. When the officers approached Linden, he fled, resulting in a foot chase. One officer claimed to have seen the boy’s hand moving towards his waistband and, fearing that he might have a gun, fired 11 shots, six of which hit Linden. No weapon was found at the scene.
Following the shooting, Salt Lake City initiated training programs for police, fire, and dispatch officers to better engage with individuals who have sensory needs similar to Linden Cameron.
While this case has prompted public outrage over the shooting and the decision not to press charges, it also adds to the ongoing debate surrounding police responses to individuals with mental illness. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with these sensitive situations. The lack of consensus among use-of-force experts further complicates the issue, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines and accountability in such cases.
In conclusion, the shooting of a 13-year-old autistic boy by a police officer in Salt Lake City has caused controversy and sparked a wider debate on justice and police response to individuals with mental illness. Despite being deemed unjustified by the district attorney, charges have not been filed against the officer due to conflicting expert opinions. The victim’s family and their attorney are disappointed with the decision, arguing that there was enough evidence to pursue criminal charges. This case highlights the need for improved protocols and training when dealing with individuals with sensory needs or mental health crises.
