Aurora Police Officer Not Charged in Fatal Shooting of Kilyn Lewis
Aurora Police Department SWAT Officer Michael Dieck will not face criminal charges in the death of 37-year-old Kilyn Lewis, who Dieck fatally shot outside an apartment complex in May while trying to arrest him on suspicion of attempted murder.
Arapahoe County District Attorney John Kellner found Dieck âreasonably believed there was an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury,â justifying the deadly use of force under Colorado law. Lewis, who was unarmed during the encounter, was a suspect in a May 5 first-degree attempted murder in Denver.
Dieck and other officers surveilled Lewis for two days before attempting to arrest him as he exited a car outside an apartment complex on South Ironton Street on May 23. Body-worn camera footage showed Lewis reaching behind his back, pulling out a phone and fruit snacks, before being shot in the stomach by Dieck.
Despite officers identifying themselves and giving commands for Lewis to show his hands, the grand jury declined to further investigate the case. Lewis’ death has sparked protests, with his family expressing disappointment in the decision.
The Justice for Kilyn E. Lewis Action Team is organizing a community rally at the Aurora Municipal Center to demand accountability in the case.
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