Bodycam Footage Captures Detroit Cop Killing Bystander Imani Peterson At A Houseparty

A federal lawsuit filed on June 3 alleges that 19-year-old Imani Peterson, a Black woman and mother of a 4-year-old boy, was wrongfully shot and killed by Detroit police while attending a backyard party on June 1, 2024. According to the complaint, Peterson was unarmed and posed no threat when she was struck in the abdomen by bullets fired into a crowd by either a female or male officer, referred to as Officers “A” and “B.” Filed by attorney Alvin L. Keel on behalf of Peterson’s mother, Ceria Joyce, the lawsuit claims the officers’ actions were “reckless, callous and in total disregard for the personal safety of decedent, Imani Peterson.”

Peterson was hospitalized in critical condition for two weeks before succumbing to her injuries on June 15. The suit seeks $25 million in damages, accusing the Detroit Police Department and involved officers of excessive force, gross negligence, and civil rights violations. Detroit police acknowledged that Officer A shot two other innocent bystanders who survived but have not confirmed who shot Peterson or identified any other responsible parties.

Body camera footage shows the female officer shouting “put that f_cking gun down” before stumbling and firing into the darkness. She then exclaims, “That motherf_cker had a gun.” 

Chaos erupted afterward, with screams and confusion among attendees. Police later claimed the officers were responding to reports of gunfire and observed armed individuals who fled. “The officer feared for her life... it was a less than desirable situation,” Police Chief Todd Bettison told Fox 2 Detroit. He confirmed four people were shot and eight guns with 93 shell casings were recovered, but no arrests have been made and no clear explanation was given for Peterson’s death.

Peterson’s mother described receiving the 2 a.m. call about the shooting as “devastating.” Her cousin, Octavia Joyce, remembered Peterson as “a joyful, happy person” and “a beautiful young woman.” The case remains under scrutiny as the family pursues justice for what they allege was an entirely preventable death.

Link: Atlanta Black Star