UPDATE: Family Calls for Changes, Help After Officer Involved Shooting
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CHARLOTTE, NC — The family of Janisha Fonville is calling for police dialogue after Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Anthony Holzhauer shot and killed the 20-year-old in her apartment last week.
Voices echoed outside the apartment Friday.
The woman who says she saw Officer Holzhauer shoot her girlfriend, Kaneisha Banks stood silent, talking only to WCCB Charlotte.
“We’ve been through a lot,” said Banks. “So, we’re just trying to get help. We’re trying to get funds up so we can get the proper help we need.”
She’s asking for legal help taking on CMPD’s stance that Fonville lunged at officers with a knife when Officer Holzhauer shot and killed her February 18. CMPD was responding to a domestic violence call between Banks and Fonville.
She says Fonville didn’t have a knife in her hand. She wouldn’t go into detail so as to not jeopardize a possible court case.
To see the previous report, click here.
However, the National Action Network, a crisis action group, called for Friday’s rally to be clear.
“We really need to explore whether or not the officer explored all non-lethal options before grabbing for his gun first and taking her life,” said NAN Attorney Matt Newton.
This was Officer Holzhauer’s third on-the-job shooting in two and a half years. He shot Michael Laney in 2012. Laney was a suspected armed robber who was scuffling with Officer Holzhauer when the officer shot killed him.
In 2013, Officer Holzhauer was involved in a shootout with three men in a car. No one died in that case.
Each time CMPD says Officer Holzhauer was justified.
Fonville’s community wants two things for police: better crisis intervention training and community dialogue.
“Instead of coming out here shooting, come out here and talk to these people,” said Fonville’s neighbor, Corey Sigle. “Tell them how to protect themselves against them, you know? Teach us something.”
With that, they think Fonville would still be alive.
“She was a happy, full of life person; she just wanted everyone to be happy,” said Banks.
Office Holzhauer remains on paid administrative leave. CMPD says the investigation is ongoing.
To learn more about the case Fonville’s family is pursuing, click here.
