Special grand jury clears Moraine police officers in fatal shooting

A Montgomery County special grand jury voted against indicting two Moraine police officers who fatally shot Jamarco McShann on Oct. 2, 2017, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office.

Officers John Howard and Jerry Knight were cleared after a grand jury heard testimony and saw evidence concerning the officer-involved shooting of McShann, 23, of Dayton.

RELATED: Family files wrongful death suit in Moraine police shooting

The decision comes less than a week after McShann’s mother filed a wrongful death civil rights lawsuit in Dayton’s U.S. District Court.

A prosecutor’s office press release said two officers responded to the Valleyview Village Apartments on Pinnacle Road on a report of loud music coming from a vehicle in the parking lot.

RELATED: Young officer won praise before deadly shooting

The release said the officers approached the vehicle and observed an unresponsive male inside it with a pistol with an extended magazine in his lap.

RELATED: Mom whose son was shot by officers: ‘We are fighting together for all our sons’

“The officers called for backup and a ballistic shield,” the release said. “Once the additional officers arrived, the officers approached the vehicle and knocked on the windows in an attempt to awaken the occupant,” it continued. “The officers gave multiple commands to the occupant to show his hands/put his hands up.

“The occupant instead reached for and raised his firearm. Both Moraine officers fired their duty weapons at the occupant until he dropped his weapon. The officers then immediately requested medics, pulled the man from the vehicle, and performed first aid. Once the medics arrived, they pronounced the man deceased.”

EARLIER: Moraine officers in fatal shooting of Dayton man return to full duty

Prosecutors said the grand jury heard testimony from 15 witnesses, including officers, citizens, and others over two days.

Prosecutors said “the law firm handling the wrongful death and civil rights lawsuits in federal court against the Moraine Police Department was given the opportunity to provide additional names of witnesses,” the release said. “None were provided.”

RELATED: An in-depth look at Moraine officers in fatal shooting

About the Author