CMPD asks court to release body cam video of Massey shooting; Chief says it will “help the public understand”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – CMPD is requesting the release of body camera footage showing the shooting death of Curtis Massey last Friday in north Charlotte.

In a court petition, the department says Officer Jamal McClain shot Massey as McClain and another officer chased him on foot near LaSalle Street. It says Massey fell and dropped a gun, then picked it up and continued running, before turning his body toward the officers. That’s when investigators say Officer McClain shot him. Massey died at the scene.

Investigators say this all started after Massey ran from officers, who were at the scene for a disturbance call. They say they had probable cause to arrest Massey.

Wednesday night, people came together to remember Massey at a candlelight vigil and balloon release in northwest Charlotte. His death led to protests over the weekend after witness claims that officers shot Massey in the back of the head during the pursuit.

Massey’s cousin says it’s been difficult on the family as the learn more about his death. Jada Lineberger says, “They did a autopsy. They released that information to her (Massey’s mother) yesterday. We wasn’t okay with the results, because it was a lot of witness out there. We know he was shot more than once, so we are gonna do an individual autopsy.”

CMPD Chief Estella Patterson says she believes if body cam footage is released it will “provide critical context that will help the public understand what happened.”