Father testifies at coroner's inquest over shooting death of his son
BURGETTSTOWN, Pa. (KDKA) - The father of a man killed by police in Washington County was seeking justice Tuesday for his son.
He testified at a coroner's inquest examining the death of Eduardo Hoover Jr. earlier this year.
Police shot Hoover after an 18-mile police chase, saying he tried to drive toward officers.
Family members of Eduardo Hoover Jr. sat stoically in the front row as witnesses outlined in detail the moments leading up to his death. They continue to question why officers thought deadly force was necessary.
"My son, Eduardo Lee Hoover Jr., should still be alive."
Eduardo Lee Hoover Sr. listened to witnesses and stared on as video was played of the 18-mile chase his son, Eduardo Hoover Jr., took officers on that ended with his death.
When the proceedings were over, he still questioned why.
"I'm frankly ashamed the law did not uphold reasonable action to de-escalate the situation but instead put gasoline to a spark," Hoover Sr. said.
The events of April 2, 2023, started with a 911 call from a man who lives in Burgettstown.
He testified he witnessed Hoover pull out of his driveway and nearly hit two children.
When Smith Township police officers eventually caught up to Hoover, dash cam video was played showing the 18-mile chase that ensued.
The 38-year-old father of three finally stopped after getting caught up in traffic on Jefferson Avenue, where officers were able to block his truck.
Once stopped, the video shows Hoover put his truck in reverse and ram a police car, then drive forward into a utility pole before driving in reverse, again toward police officers.
It's at that moment officers say they feared for their lives and fired two shots, hitting Hoover in the head and neck. A shooting, the Washington County district attorney says, was justified.
"I'm sorry, I can't come to the same conclusion of the commonwealth's decision that being of a justified homicide. The term justifiable homicide is an oxymoron, as no homicide is justified. Even if that life be in chains. I wish I could still communicate with him. Whether in person, by telephone, or through a glass enclosure."
A police officer who was subpoenaed to testify at Tuesday's inquest never showed up. The district attorney already ruled the officers were justified in shooting Hoover.
The coroner will announce his finding on Thursday, whether that be in agreement with the DA or not.