West Midlands firearms officer facing criminal inquiry over fatal shooting

Image Credit : Justice for Sean Fitzgerald

source: Shropshire Star
published: 14 March 2022

A police firearms officer is being investigated for potential homicide offences over the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old man in Coventry in 2019.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had previously said the officer was not the subject of a criminal investigation relating to the death of Sean Fitzgerald.

In a statement confirming [that] a criminal inquiry is now under way, the IOPC said the West Midlands Police officer had been advised they are “being investigated for potential homicide offences.”

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “This complex investigation is nearing conclusion. Following a review of all of the evidence obtained and the receipt of legal advice, we have revisited our position on potential criminal conduct.

“This does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. At the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether any charge(s) should be brought.”

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Police firearms officer facing criminal inquiry over death of unarmed Sean Fitzgerald in Coventry
14 March 2022