October 12th 2024.
Officer Michael Dieck of the Aurora Police Department, who is a part of the SWAT team, will not be facing any criminal charges in the death of 37-year-old Kilyn Lewis. In May, Dieck fatally shot Lewis outside an apartment complex while attempting to arrest him for suspicion of attempted murder. The Arapahoe County District Attorney, John Kellner, concluded that Dieck believed there was a threat of death or serious injury, which falls within the guidelines for using deadly force under Colorado law. It is important to note that Lewis was not armed during the incident.
Dieck was working with a team of officers from both Aurora and Denver, who had been surveilling Lewis for two days prior to the incident. On May 23, as Lewis exited a car outside an apartment complex on South Ironton Street, the officers attempted to arrest him. Lewis was a suspect in a first-degree attempted murder case in Denver that occurred on May 5. According to the decision letter and body-worn camera footage released by the Aurora Police Department, Lewis reached behind his back as the officers surrounded him with their guns drawn. They repeatedly ordered him to show his hands and get on the ground. Lewis then removed a phone and white tubes of fruit snacks from his pocket and raised his hands in the air. It was at this moment that Dieck shot him in the stomach, leading to his death two days later.
After reviewing the shooting, District Attorney Kellner determined that the officers had identified themselves and had given clear commands to Lewis before the shooting occurred. The letter states that Lewis had walked towards the officers and the front driver-side door of the car, and then reached into his rear pocket to remove something. Dieck told investigators that he believed Lewis had pulled out a gun and was preparing to shoot at him and the other officers. Other officers at the scene also believed that Lewis was reaching for a gun.
The case was also presented to an Arapahoe County grand jury, who ultimately decided not to pursue further investigation. The death of Kilyn Lewis has sparked protests at Aurora City Council meetings and other events. According to a statement from the Justice for Kilyn E. Lewis Action Team, Lewis' family was not given advance notice of the decision letter being released. The group believes that this decision not to charge Officer Dieck is not only a failure of justice, but also sends a message that the life of an unarmed Black man like Kilyn is not valued by the very system that is supposed to protect us.
In response to this decision, the Justice for Kilyn E. Lewis Action Team is holding a community rally at the Aurora Municipal Center on Monday at 5:30 p.m. They are demanding answers and accountability for Lewis' death. This case has brought attention to the ongoing issue of police use of force and the treatment of Black individuals in the criminal justice system. As the community continues to demand justice for Kilyn Lewis, it is important for us to remember his life and the impact that his death has had on his loved ones and the community as a whole.
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