Lawyer: ICE Agent Acted 'By The Book' In Fatal Detroit Shooting
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — A lawyer says a federal agent who fatally shot a young Detroit man acted appropriately and "by the book."
David Griem said Monday that Mitchell Quinn fears for his family. He says Quinn, an immigration agent, firmly believes "this was a righteous shoot."
Terrance Kellom was killed on April 27 during a round-up of crime suspects. Police say the 20-year-old Kellom lunged with a hammer before he was shot inside a house. Kellom's father denies that his son had anything in his hands.
"Agent Quinn tripped over something in the hallway and as he was going down backwards he fired several other shots," Griem said. "Agent Quinn fell backwards to the floor on his back, Kellom fell forward and fell onto Agent Quinn."
Kellom's family claims he was kneeling on the floor when he was shot, and say that the gunshots in the floor and the wall prove that.
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"When the individual came within reach of him (Quinn), he fired one shot hoping that that would stop the individual -- it did not," Griem said. "Agent Quinn continued to back up and the fugitive suspect continued toward him."
Quinn was part of a regional task force arresting fugitives. Meanwhile, prosecutors are blocking release of the autopsy report because details could interfere with the investigation.
"Certain members of the media not only put his (Quinn's) name out there, but also his home address," Griem said. "He's got a one-year-old, a two-year-old and a 12-year-old, and his family has had to move out of their home."
Greim said that is was the first time that Quinn has fired his weapon at a person during his 18 years on duty.
Officers present during the shooting have given statements to Detroit police. Kellom's funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.
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