The death of Dexter Reed, a 25-year-old man who was killed during a traffic stop by Chicago police on March 21, has sparked outrage and a call for justice. The first autopsy report was released on April 25 by the Cook County medical examiner, revealing that Reed’s death was caused by 13 gunshots and has been classified as a homicide.
The investigation into Reed’s death found that the police officers involved fired a total of 96 shots in just 41 seconds. The autopsy detailed how the bullets hit Reed’s body, with multiple shots in his buttocks, chest, thigh, and leg, as well as on his back, shoulder, and knee. Additionally, toxicology tests revealed traces of marijuana components in Reed’s body.
Following this tragic incident, Dexter Reed’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Chicago and the five police officers involved in the shooting. The 81-page lawsuit accuses the Chicago police of promoting brutality and violence, particularly through the use of military tactics. The family’s attorney emphasized the need for accountability and justice for Reed’s death.
Protesters in Chicago took to the streets on April 9 after the release of body camera footage from the police officers involved in the shooting. The community continues to demand transparency and accountability in the investigation of Dexter Reed’s death.
As the case unfolds, the city of Chicago faces scrutiny and calls for reform within its police department. The story of Dexter Reed serves as a stark reminder of the need for police accountability and justice in cases of police-involved shootings.