Man Shot by Police After Repeatedly Asking to be Shot, Bodycam Footage Reveals
A recently released video from body and dashcams has shed new light on a controversial police shooting in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred on August 7th, when officers were called to a gas station in response to reports of trespassing. One of the individuals involved, Edmundo Meza, had outstanding warrants for his arrest related to traffic violations.
The video shows Officer Jillian McGowan approaching Meza and conducting a search. It is during this search that McGowan discovers that Meza is armed. She immediately orders him to put his hands behind his back and not to move. Meza denies having a gun, but officers later find one in his waistband.
A struggle ensues between Meza and the officers, with McGowan repeatedly threatening to shoot him. Meza, in turn, goads McGowan to shoot him, expressing a preference for death over incarceration. McGowan’s gun is lodged in Meza’s stomach, and his arms are pinned to the ground. Despite the ongoing resistance, it is at this point that McGowan opens fire, fatally shooting Meza. He is pronounced dead at the hospital an hour later.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) stated that Meza had attempted to reach for his weapon, justifying the shooting. However, former Texas Rangers Chief Tony Leal, after reviewing the video, stated that he did not see Meza reach for a weapon. Leal emphasized the need to hear from the officers involved before determining the justification for the shooting.
The HPD and the district attorney’s office are currently conducting investigations to answer the outstanding questions surrounding the incident. It remains unclear whether the shooting was intentional or an accidental discharge of the weapon during the struggle.
This is not the first fatal shooting involving Officer McGowan. Two years after joining the HPD in 2012, she shot and killed Rufino Lara during an assault investigation. In that case, Lara turned around with his hands concealed in his shirt, leading McGowan to believe he was armed. However, it was later revealed that Lara was holding a can of beer. The shooting was deemed justified by authorities.
While the investigation into Meza’s shooting is ongoing, Leal expressed concern over McGowan’s repeated threats to shoot the suspect. He suggested that such threats could escalate a situation, as they did in this case, with Meza responding by goading the officer to shoot him.
The release of the bodycam footage has sparked conversations about police use of force and the need for accountability. It highlights the importance of comprehensive investigations and the role of body cameras in providing transparency in law enforcement interactions. As the investigations continue, it is crucial to address the concerns raised and ensure that justice is served.
