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Mississippi Grand Jury Indicts Ex-police Officer In Killing of Ricky Ball -By The Guardian
Ricky Ball was 26 at the time of the fatal shooting in October 2015. Photograph: Supplied
Matt Kessler in Oxford, Mississippi
Friday 9 September 2016 12.44 EDT
A former police officer who shot and killed a 26-year-old black man in Columbus, Mississippi, has been indicted for manslaughter by a grand jury.
Before the finding Wednesday that Canyon Boykin is criminally liable for the death of Ricky Ball, police and community members had not reached agreement on key facts of the case, including whether Ball was armed at all.
There was no body camera or other video recording of the incident, making the indictment all the more surprising to observers.
“It’s highly unusual for a [Mississippi Bureau of Investigation case] to be taken to a grand jury and to result in a homicide indictment against a police officer,” said Philip Broadhead, director of the criminal appeals clinic at the University of Mississippi law school. Nationally, very few police shootings lead to criminal charges.
One likely reason the case was brought before a grand jury is that the county district attorney turned the case over to the state, which conducted an eight-month investigation.
In October 2015, former officer Boykin stopped a car where Ball was the passenger. Ball fled the scene and a chase and gunshots ensued. Few of the other facts about that evening have been agreed upon.
Boykin, who did not activate his body camera, alleged that Ball pointed a gun as he fled. The Ball family insisted that Ball did not own a gun.
The gun found by Ball’s body belonged to another Columbus police officer, who claimed that it had been stolen from his house. But the officer did not file a theft claim until 12 days after Ball was shot and killed. Then Boykin was fired and the former police chief resigned. In January, the Guardian revealed that the Columbus police altered a document labeled “uniform incident report”. In February, Boykin sued the city of Columbus for racial discrimination, claiming that he was fired because he was white and the man that he killed was black.
On Wednesday, a grand jury ruled against Boykin’s version of the story.
“We’re overwhelmed,” said Ernesto Ball, cousin of the deceased. “It’s definitely a blessing. It’s something we’ve been waiting on.”
“We are pleased with the indictment,” said Danese Banks, an attorney representing the Ball family in a pending lawsuit against the city of Columbus. “It is definitely a step in the direction of justice.”
In a statement released after the indictment, the ACLU applauded the Columbus district attorney for turning the case over to the the state attorney general’s office for outside review. “The state of Mississippi should ensure that independent investigations and special prosecutors are used every time there is a police-involved death of a citizen,” the announcement said.
Jeff Reynolds, Boykin’s defense attorney, called the indictment “an absolute travesty”. “I’ve been practicing law over thirty years,” Reynolds said. “This is the worst miscarriage of justice I have ever seen. I was flabbergasted that officer Boykin was indicted based on the facts that I know.”
Boykin has postponed his racial discrimination lawsuit against the city of Columbus for six months, by which time he believes that the criminal case should be resolved.
The Columbus police department and the district attorney would not comment, due to the ongoing racial discrimination lawsuit. The attorney general’s office could not be reached.
“It’s been very hard,” said Ernesto Ball, cousin of the deceased. “Especially with all these police officers getting off and not getting indicted on charges and killings of youth.”
“Hopefully we’ll get a conviction and that way we can get closure with this matter and hopefully we can move on with our lives.”
Friday 9 September 2016 12.44 EDT
- Former officer Canyon Boykin fatally shot Ball last year during a traffic stop
- Manslaughter indictment against an officer is ‘highly unusual’
A former police officer who shot and killed a 26-year-old black man in Columbus, Mississippi, has been indicted for manslaughter by a grand jury.
Before the finding Wednesday that Canyon Boykin is criminally liable for the death of Ricky Ball, police and community members had not reached agreement on key facts of the case, including whether Ball was armed at all.
There was no body camera or other video recording of the incident, making the indictment all the more surprising to observers.
“It’s highly unusual for a [Mississippi Bureau of Investigation case] to be taken to a grand jury and to result in a homicide indictment against a police officer,” said Philip Broadhead, director of the criminal appeals clinic at the University of Mississippi law school. Nationally, very few police shootings lead to criminal charges.
One likely reason the case was brought before a grand jury is that the county district attorney turned the case over to the state, which conducted an eight-month investigation.
In October 2015, former officer Boykin stopped a car where Ball was the passenger. Ball fled the scene and a chase and gunshots ensued. Few of the other facts about that evening have been agreed upon.
Boykin, who did not activate his body camera, alleged that Ball pointed a gun as he fled. The Ball family insisted that Ball did not own a gun.
The gun found by Ball’s body belonged to another Columbus police officer, who claimed that it had been stolen from his house. But the officer did not file a theft claim until 12 days after Ball was shot and killed. Then Boykin was fired and the former police chief resigned. In January, the Guardian revealed that the Columbus police altered a document labeled “uniform incident report”. In February, Boykin sued the city of Columbus for racial discrimination, claiming that he was fired because he was white and the man that he killed was black.
On Wednesday, a grand jury ruled against Boykin’s version of the story.
“We’re overwhelmed,” said Ernesto Ball, cousin of the deceased. “It’s definitely a blessing. It’s something we’ve been waiting on.”
“We are pleased with the indictment,” said Danese Banks, an attorney representing the Ball family in a pending lawsuit against the city of Columbus. “It is definitely a step in the direction of justice.”
In a statement released after the indictment, the ACLU applauded the Columbus district attorney for turning the case over to the the state attorney general’s office for outside review. “The state of Mississippi should ensure that independent investigations and special prosecutors are used every time there is a police-involved death of a citizen,” the announcement said.
Jeff Reynolds, Boykin’s defense attorney, called the indictment “an absolute travesty”. “I’ve been practicing law over thirty years,” Reynolds said. “This is the worst miscarriage of justice I have ever seen. I was flabbergasted that officer Boykin was indicted based on the facts that I know.”
Boykin has postponed his racial discrimination lawsuit against the city of Columbus for six months, by which time he believes that the criminal case should be resolved.
The Columbus police department and the district attorney would not comment, due to the ongoing racial discrimination lawsuit. The attorney general’s office could not be reached.
“It’s been very hard,” said Ernesto Ball, cousin of the deceased. “Especially with all these police officers getting off and not getting indicted on charges and killings of youth.”
“Hopefully we’ll get a conviction and that way we can get closure with this matter and hopefully we can move on with our lives.”
Change of Venue Granted For Former Police Officer Charged With Manslaughter -By Cody Long Nov. 18, 2016 WTVA News
VIDEO: REMEMBERING RICKY BALL -By Jonathan Flippo 10/15/16 WCBI News
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) —
A year after Ricky Ball was shot and killed by a Columbus police officer, his family and friends gathered and marched to remember him. Court documents say Ricky was shot shortly after running away from a traffic stop on October 16 of last year.
The officer in the case has been indicted.
Those who gathered say it’s not about the current case or the officer. They simply want to remember and honor their family member.
The march began at Mount Zion Baptist Church on 14th Avenue. It ended at the Union Cemetery. [Ricky Ball] is buried there.
Family and friends released balloons at his gravesite.
A year after Ricky Ball was shot and killed by a Columbus police officer, his family and friends gathered and marched to remember him. Court documents say Ricky was shot shortly after running away from a traffic stop on October 16 of last year.
The officer in the case has been indicted.
Those who gathered say it’s not about the current case or the officer. They simply want to remember and honor their family member.
The march began at Mount Zion Baptist Church on 14th Avenue. It ended at the Union Cemetery. [Ricky Ball] is buried there.
Family and friends released balloons at his gravesite.
VICTIM'S COUSIN DECRIES APPLAUSE FOR INDICTED FORMER OFFICER -By Emily Wagster Pettus | Associated Press | Sep. 15, 2016 6:13pm
JACKSON, Miss. — Relatives of a black man fatally shot after a foot chase by a white police officer say other officers were "disrespectful" when they applauded the former officer after he was indicted on a manslaughter charge.
Ernesto Ball, a cousin of 26-year-old Ricky Ball, spoke Thursday on WTWG-AM radio in Columbus, Mississippi. He said relatives are upset because they never received notice that Canyon Boykin, a former officer there, was being arraigned last Friday.
Ernesto Ball also said it was wrong that Boykin didn't appear in open court. The arraignment was conducted in the chambers of Lowndes County Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens, who set Boykin's bail at $20,000 pending a Nov. 28 trial. Boykin has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
An interracial crowd of Boykin supporters applauded as the 26-year-old left the courthouse in handcuffs. He was subsequently released.
"The one thing that gets me the most is watching on the news feed as police officers applauded Mr. Boykin as he was brought out in cuffs," Ernesto Ball said. "We found that to be disrespectful and a slap to our faces, applauding like that when a young man has lost his life as if his life didn't matter. That, in itself, would destroy the foundation for the bridge between the community and the police department."
The fatal shooting in October 2015 had sparked several protests in in Columbus, a mostly black city of 23,000 in northeast Mississippi.
The radio host who conducted the interview was state Rep. Kabbir Karriem, D-Columbus.
"The round of applause and the way the things were handled, it seems like someone got special treatment," Karriem said. "It raises some other questions with this case."
Karriem was a City Council member before he was elected to the state House last November, and he was among local elected officials who had called for calm after the shooting.
Boykin has said he shot Ball after Ball appeared to point a gun at him. Ball's family has disputed whether Boykin had cause to shoot. It was one of several shootings that have come under heightened scrutiny after the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2015.
A pistol that was reported stolen from a Columbus police officer's home was found near Ball's body, as was a substance believed to be marijuana, authorities said.
Conviction on a manslaughter charge carries a possible prison term of 20 years.
____
Associated Press writer Jeff Amy contributed to this report.
Ernesto Ball, a cousin of 26-year-old Ricky Ball, spoke Thursday on WTWG-AM radio in Columbus, Mississippi. He said relatives are upset because they never received notice that Canyon Boykin, a former officer there, was being arraigned last Friday.
Ernesto Ball also said it was wrong that Boykin didn't appear in open court. The arraignment was conducted in the chambers of Lowndes County Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens, who set Boykin's bail at $20,000 pending a Nov. 28 trial. Boykin has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
An interracial crowd of Boykin supporters applauded as the 26-year-old left the courthouse in handcuffs. He was subsequently released.
"The one thing that gets me the most is watching on the news feed as police officers applauded Mr. Boykin as he was brought out in cuffs," Ernesto Ball said. "We found that to be disrespectful and a slap to our faces, applauding like that when a young man has lost his life as if his life didn't matter. That, in itself, would destroy the foundation for the bridge between the community and the police department."
The fatal shooting in October 2015 had sparked several protests in in Columbus, a mostly black city of 23,000 in northeast Mississippi.
The radio host who conducted the interview was state Rep. Kabbir Karriem, D-Columbus.
"The round of applause and the way the things were handled, it seems like someone got special treatment," Karriem said. "It raises some other questions with this case."
Karriem was a City Council member before he was elected to the state House last November, and he was among local elected officials who had called for calm after the shooting.
Boykin has said he shot Ball after Ball appeared to point a gun at him. Ball's family has disputed whether Boykin had cause to shoot. It was one of several shootings that have come under heightened scrutiny after the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2015.
A pistol that was reported stolen from a Columbus police officer's home was found near Ball's body, as was a substance believed to be marijuana, authorities said.
Conviction on a manslaughter charge carries a possible prison term of 20 years.
____
Associated Press writer Jeff Amy contributed to this report.
JUDGE ORDERS BOYKIN CIVIL CASE TO MOVE FORWARD -By Robert Davidson 9/16/2016
COLUMBUS (WCBI) – A surprising twist in the civil case filed by Former Columbus Officer Canyon Boykin against the city.
A federal judge has denied a request to stay the civil case until the end of Boykin’s criminal case. Both the city and Boykin’s counsel had agreed to the delay but Judge Sharion Aycock has denied the request.
That means the civil case where Boykin is attempting to get his job back will continue even as the manslaughter case against him goes through the criminal court system. In fact a conference in the civil case has been set for Monday.
Boykin was indicted September 7th on a manslaughter charge in connection with the October 2015 shooting death of Ricky Ball.
A federal judge has denied a request to stay the civil case until the end of Boykin’s criminal case. Both the city and Boykin’s counsel had agreed to the delay but Judge Sharion Aycock has denied the request.
That means the civil case where Boykin is attempting to get his job back will continue even as the manslaughter case against him goes through the criminal court system. In fact a conference in the civil case has been set for Monday.
Boykin was indicted September 7th on a manslaughter charge in connection with the October 2015 shooting death of Ricky Ball.
Boykin Arraigned For Manslaughter -By Brian Jones/The Packet
Manslaughter charges for Boykin in Ricky Ball shooting -By (The Dispatch)
Former Columbus Police Department officer Canyon Boykin is led from the Lowndes County Courthouse Friday morning in handcuffs while onlookers applaud. Boykin was indicted on charges of manslaughter by a grand jury yesterday. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Alex Holloway
September 9, 2016 12:26:05 PM
The contents of this article have been modified since its original posting.
A former Columbus police officer is being charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Ricky Ball.
Canyon Boykin, 26, pleaded not guilty in Lowndes County Circuit Court this morning. Judge Jim Kitchens set his bond at $20,000.
One of Boykin's attorneys, Jim Waide of Tupelo, confirmed to The Dispatch Thursday a Lowndes County grand jury had indicted former Columbus police officer Canyon Boykin in the shooting death in the Oct. 16, 2015, fatal shooting. Jackson attorney Jeff Reynolds is co-counsel on the case.
An indictment means a grand jury found sufficient evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime. It is not an indication of guilt. If convicted, Boykin faces up to 20 years in prison.
Reynolds said Boykin is expected to be free on bond later today. He told media he could not comment on the details of the investigation but was "flabbergasted" by Boykin's indictment.
"In my 30-plus years of law practice, I have never seen a bigger travesty of justice than this indictment of this police officer," Reynolds said. "It's an absolute travesty, and he will be found not guilty. He's innocent of this charge."
Attorneys for Boykin walked into the front door of Lowndes County Courthouse at about 9:30 a.m. Moments later, a red pickup carrying the suspect pulled up at the building's back entrance, and Boykin was hurriedly escorted inside. The hearing was held behind closed doors.
About a dozen Boykin supporters gathered outside the courthouse during the proceedings. Afterwards Boykin was led from the courthouse in handcuffs as onlookers applauded.
Boykin is accused of shooting the 26-year-old Ball following a traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Street North and 15th Avenue North. Boykin is white; Ball was black.
Ball, police said, was a passenger in the car being stopped and fled on foot.
He was subsequently shot twice, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant. He was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle after officers found him on the ground roughly a block-and-a-half from the traffic stop site.
Authorities said a 9mm pistol was found nearby. State authorities, as part of their investigation, were conducting tests on the firearm to see if Ball possessed it at any time. The pistol, according to city officials, had been stolen from a CPD officer's home in the months prior to Ball's death.
Boykin did not turn his body camera on before or during the shooting incident. He also reportedly had an unauthorized passenger riding with him in his patrol car.
The city council later fired Boykin, citing the officer had also violated the city's social media policy by making derogatory posts toward African Americans, women and disabled people after the incident. He later filed a federal lawsuit against the city, in which he claims Ball pointed a pistol at him prior to the shooting.
However, federal court documents in the U.S. District Court of Northern Mississippi indicate a settlement conference scheduled for Sept. 16 "has been canceled until further notice from the court."
Ball's family filed a notice of intent in July to sue the city for his death. Mose Lee Sudduth, a Vernon, Alabama, attorney representing the family, declined to comment extensively on Boykin's indictment. However, he told The Dispatch the family is pleased to see the case moving forward.
"Obviously the family is relieved that something is being done," Sudduth said.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation completed a review of the case and sent it to District Attorney Scott Colom in June. A month later, Colom handed the case to a special prosecutor appointed by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
Hood's office issued a statement immediately following the arraignment, which called the Ball shooting "unnecessary."
"The Lowndes County grand jury has given me my marching orders as a prosecutor. It is my duty to carry out those orders and present the case to a Lowndes County Circuit Court jury at trial," Hood's statement said. "Our police officers put their lives on the line for us every day. We owe it to them and to our citizens to see that the highest standards of conduct are always met."
Assistant Attorney General Stanley Alexander will prosecute the case against Boykin, the release added.
Ball's shooting happened in Columbus' Ward 4. That ward's councilman, Marty Turner, said he hopes the city can begin to move forward as Boykin's case moves forward.
"Now it's time for the city to start healing," Turner said. "As this case comes to a close, because I know it's not going to come to a close tomorrow, we're hopefully going to start seeing evidence and a justice system that works for all."
District 41 State Rep. Kabir Karriem, formerly the Columbus councilman for Ward 5, praised both investigators' efforts and the public's patience with the process Thursday in an email statement.
"Police shootings of unarmed individuals have become a national epidemic," the statement said. "And too often, police officers involved in these incidents are not held accountable regardless of the obvious facts and incriminating evidence. ...I look forward to seeing this case resolved so that Ricky Ball's family and the Columbus community can move forward and put this unfortunate incident behind them."
Boykin was once employed at The Dispatch as a pressman.
The Dispatch will update this story as new information is available.
September 9, 2016 12:26:05 PM
The contents of this article have been modified since its original posting.
A former Columbus police officer is being charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Ricky Ball.
Canyon Boykin, 26, pleaded not guilty in Lowndes County Circuit Court this morning. Judge Jim Kitchens set his bond at $20,000.
One of Boykin's attorneys, Jim Waide of Tupelo, confirmed to The Dispatch Thursday a Lowndes County grand jury had indicted former Columbus police officer Canyon Boykin in the shooting death in the Oct. 16, 2015, fatal shooting. Jackson attorney Jeff Reynolds is co-counsel on the case.
An indictment means a grand jury found sufficient evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime. It is not an indication of guilt. If convicted, Boykin faces up to 20 years in prison.
Reynolds said Boykin is expected to be free on bond later today. He told media he could not comment on the details of the investigation but was "flabbergasted" by Boykin's indictment.
"In my 30-plus years of law practice, I have never seen a bigger travesty of justice than this indictment of this police officer," Reynolds said. "It's an absolute travesty, and he will be found not guilty. He's innocent of this charge."
Attorneys for Boykin walked into the front door of Lowndes County Courthouse at about 9:30 a.m. Moments later, a red pickup carrying the suspect pulled up at the building's back entrance, and Boykin was hurriedly escorted inside. The hearing was held behind closed doors.
About a dozen Boykin supporters gathered outside the courthouse during the proceedings. Afterwards Boykin was led from the courthouse in handcuffs as onlookers applauded.
Boykin is accused of shooting the 26-year-old Ball following a traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Street North and 15th Avenue North. Boykin is white; Ball was black.
Ball, police said, was a passenger in the car being stopped and fled on foot.
He was subsequently shot twice, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant. He was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle after officers found him on the ground roughly a block-and-a-half from the traffic stop site.
Authorities said a 9mm pistol was found nearby. State authorities, as part of their investigation, were conducting tests on the firearm to see if Ball possessed it at any time. The pistol, according to city officials, had been stolen from a CPD officer's home in the months prior to Ball's death.
Boykin did not turn his body camera on before or during the shooting incident. He also reportedly had an unauthorized passenger riding with him in his patrol car.
The city council later fired Boykin, citing the officer had also violated the city's social media policy by making derogatory posts toward African Americans, women and disabled people after the incident. He later filed a federal lawsuit against the city, in which he claims Ball pointed a pistol at him prior to the shooting.
However, federal court documents in the U.S. District Court of Northern Mississippi indicate a settlement conference scheduled for Sept. 16 "has been canceled until further notice from the court."
Ball's family filed a notice of intent in July to sue the city for his death. Mose Lee Sudduth, a Vernon, Alabama, attorney representing the family, declined to comment extensively on Boykin's indictment. However, he told The Dispatch the family is pleased to see the case moving forward.
"Obviously the family is relieved that something is being done," Sudduth said.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation completed a review of the case and sent it to District Attorney Scott Colom in June. A month later, Colom handed the case to a special prosecutor appointed by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
Hood's office issued a statement immediately following the arraignment, which called the Ball shooting "unnecessary."
"The Lowndes County grand jury has given me my marching orders as a prosecutor. It is my duty to carry out those orders and present the case to a Lowndes County Circuit Court jury at trial," Hood's statement said. "Our police officers put their lives on the line for us every day. We owe it to them and to our citizens to see that the highest standards of conduct are always met."
Assistant Attorney General Stanley Alexander will prosecute the case against Boykin, the release added.
Ball's shooting happened in Columbus' Ward 4. That ward's councilman, Marty Turner, said he hopes the city can begin to move forward as Boykin's case moves forward.
"Now it's time for the city to start healing," Turner said. "As this case comes to a close, because I know it's not going to come to a close tomorrow, we're hopefully going to start seeing evidence and a justice system that works for all."
District 41 State Rep. Kabir Karriem, formerly the Columbus councilman for Ward 5, praised both investigators' efforts and the public's patience with the process Thursday in an email statement.
"Police shootings of unarmed individuals have become a national epidemic," the statement said. "And too often, police officers involved in these incidents are not held accountable regardless of the obvious facts and incriminating evidence. ...I look forward to seeing this case resolved so that Ricky Ball's family and the Columbus community can move forward and put this unfortunate incident behind them."
Boykin was once employed at The Dispatch as a pressman.
The Dispatch will update this story as new information is available.
VIDEO: UPDATE : FORMER COLUMBUS OFFICER INDICTED IN SHOOTING DEATH OF RICKY BALL By: Joey Barnes 9/8/16
ACLU WEIGHS IN ON BALL CASE (WCBI Columbus, MS)
BOYKIN
By Robert Davidson Submitted 09/08/2016 - 4:43pm
JACKSON (WCBI) – The American Civil Liberties Union is weighing in on word of the indictment of Former Columbus Police Officer Canyon Boykin. In a statement Jennifer Riley-Collins, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi says the investigation falls in line with the approach of independent parties looking into officer involved cases
“District Attorney Scott Colom got it right by asking for outside review. By doing so, he sent a message that falls in line with what the ACLU of Mississippi has been calling leadership to embrace. It is the same message that the public has been asking for across this nation. Transparency and accountability are the standard which should always be applied. The state of Mississippi should ensure that independent investigations and special prosecutors are used every time there is a police-involved death of a citizen.”
Colom has stated that in any case where an officer is involved in his district, he will bring in outside investigators and prosecutors to handle the case.
JACKSON (WCBI) – The American Civil Liberties Union is weighing in on word of the indictment of Former Columbus Police Officer Canyon Boykin. In a statement Jennifer Riley-Collins, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi says the investigation falls in line with the approach of independent parties looking into officer involved cases
“District Attorney Scott Colom got it right by asking for outside review. By doing so, he sent a message that falls in line with what the ACLU of Mississippi has been calling leadership to embrace. It is the same message that the public has been asking for across this nation. Transparency and accountability are the standard which should always be applied. The state of Mississippi should ensure that independent investigations and special prosecutors are used every time there is a police-involved death of a citizen.”
Colom has stated that in any case where an officer is involved in his district, he will bring in outside investigators and prosecutors to handle the case.
Why did Mississippi police release two versions of fatal shooting report?
Since 26-year-old Ricky Ball was shot and killed by police in October 2015, the black community in Columbus, Mississippi, has grappled with questions that don’t have clear answers.
Posted by Guardian US on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Ricky Ball Shooting: Questions linger six months after Ball shooting -BY (The Dispatch)
Family and friends of Ricky Ball gather near the spot where the 26-year-old was fatally shot by a Columbus police officer six months ago. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has not released any findings since beginning an investigation shortly after the incident. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
By Alex Holloway and Isabelle Altman/Dispatch Staff
April 17, 2016 12:03:42 AM
It has been six months since Ricky Ball died in a police-involved shooting in Columbus and state investigators have yet to release any findings.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been looking into the circumstances surrounding Ball's death since shortly after it happened on Oct. 16. That night, the 26-year-old was shot after an attempted traffic stop. Since then, MBI has not released any information on the shooting.
In December, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith told The Dispatch a MBI official said the investigation should take four to six months.
State investigators have not said exactly what happened after Ball fled from an attempted traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Street North and 15th Avenue North; how many shots former Columbus police officer Canyon Boykin fired at Ball; where Ball was struck; if Ball possessed a firearm; or if narcotics were found near where Ball fell after being shot.
State investigators have also not publicly indicated a timeframe for when the investigation would be complete.
Ball was shot in Ward 4. Councilman Marty Turner told The Dispatch on Friday he wants to see MBI move faster on its investigation.
"It's ridiculous," Turner said. "It's ridiculous that it would take that long for an investigation and we're one of the major cities in Mississippi."
Messages from the The Dispatch to MBI spokesperson Warren Strain and MBI director Larry Waggoner went unreturned last week.
On March 16, Strain told The Dispatch investigators were still "compiling test results and other components of the comprehensive case file." At the time, Strain said MBI had not sent the investigation's findings to District Attorney Scott Colom's office.
Colom told The Dispatch on Friday he still has not received the case from MBI.
Columbus Police Chief Oscar Lewis told The Dispatch he did not know anything about the investigation, why it was taking longer than initially expected or when CPD will get an update.
"We've made inquiries," Joe Dillon, the public information officer for the city of Columbus, said. "We're told the same thing -- it's still a pending investigation."
Smith said city officials are waiting on the investigation's results "just like the rest of the community."
"We have not received any additional information from MBI during the investigation," the mayor said. "We know nothing other than what has been reported in the past and that the investigation continues and the results will be reported to the District Attorney."
What happened
On the night of Oct. 16, CPD officers Boykin, Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young were in the police vehicle that initiated a traffic stop on a car Ball was riding in near the intersection of 21st Street North and 15th Avenue North.
Former Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton, who resigned shortly after the incident, has said the stop was initiated because of careless driving, no light above the license plate and lack of insurance.
Police say Ball fled the scene on foot. He was ultimately shot twice, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant. He was found roughly a block and a half away from where the traffic stop was initiated. A 9mm pistol and suspected marijuana were found near where he fell, according to CPD. He died that night from blood loss at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle.
Neither Boykin, Branch or Young activated their body cameras prior to or during the incident.
CPD officials said the 9mm found near Ball had been previously reported stolen from a Columbus police officers home. State officials told the city they would conduct forensic tests on the weapon to try and determine if Ball possessed it.
The shooting sparked a series of marches and community outcry at public meetings. City officials in early November organized a community meeting to address the incident. About 400 people attended.
The city council fired Boykin after the shooting and suspended Branch and Young. Young has said that on April 25, she will resign from the force for health concerns.
Earlier this year, Boykin filed a federal suit against the city. In his lawsuit, Boykin claims he tased Ball after Ball fled from the traffic stop.
The lawsuit says Ball fell on his back after being tased, and Boykin saw a pistol in Ball's right hand across his chest.
"The effects of the Taser wore off and Ball got up and began to run," the lawsuit continues. "As Ball was running, he turned his body to the right, facing (Boykin), as if to shoot (Boykin) with the pistol he had in his right hand."
Boykin shot Ball at that point, according to the lawsuit, which is ongoing.
Waiting for closure
Earnesto Ball is Ricky Ball's first cousin. He said it is hard for the family to wait so long without knowing for sure what happened.
"It makes it stressful," he said. "We can't get any closure without knowing anything. Everything we've heard from the council meetings or anything -- it's all the same. I understand they have a process and that by MBI doing the investigation the city wouldn't know anything.
"But I don't understand what's taking so long, as far as the investigation goes," Ball added. "I've heard so many stories it's hard to pinpoint exactly what went down."
Boykin's lawsuit claims that his dismissal as a result of the Ball incident "infringed on his good name and reputation, making it difficult, if not impossible, for him to find other employment."
Jim Waide, Boykin's attorney, said the prolonged investigation is also hindering closure for Boykin.
"It's a cloud hanging over Mr. Boykin," Waide said.
Turner said a lot of people, from Ball's friends to those in the neighborhood, are waiting to see what comes out of MBI's investigation.
"Don't think we're going to forget about it because we're not going to forget about it," Turner said. "We want to know what the conclusion is. A lot of people need closure."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=49577#ixzz4670jOEAl
April 17, 2016 12:03:42 AM
It has been six months since Ricky Ball died in a police-involved shooting in Columbus and state investigators have yet to release any findings.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been looking into the circumstances surrounding Ball's death since shortly after it happened on Oct. 16. That night, the 26-year-old was shot after an attempted traffic stop. Since then, MBI has not released any information on the shooting.
In December, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith told The Dispatch a MBI official said the investigation should take four to six months.
State investigators have not said exactly what happened after Ball fled from an attempted traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Street North and 15th Avenue North; how many shots former Columbus police officer Canyon Boykin fired at Ball; where Ball was struck; if Ball possessed a firearm; or if narcotics were found near where Ball fell after being shot.
State investigators have also not publicly indicated a timeframe for when the investigation would be complete.
Ball was shot in Ward 4. Councilman Marty Turner told The Dispatch on Friday he wants to see MBI move faster on its investigation.
"It's ridiculous," Turner said. "It's ridiculous that it would take that long for an investigation and we're one of the major cities in Mississippi."
Messages from the The Dispatch to MBI spokesperson Warren Strain and MBI director Larry Waggoner went unreturned last week.
On March 16, Strain told The Dispatch investigators were still "compiling test results and other components of the comprehensive case file." At the time, Strain said MBI had not sent the investigation's findings to District Attorney Scott Colom's office.
Colom told The Dispatch on Friday he still has not received the case from MBI.
Columbus Police Chief Oscar Lewis told The Dispatch he did not know anything about the investigation, why it was taking longer than initially expected or when CPD will get an update.
"We've made inquiries," Joe Dillon, the public information officer for the city of Columbus, said. "We're told the same thing -- it's still a pending investigation."
Smith said city officials are waiting on the investigation's results "just like the rest of the community."
"We have not received any additional information from MBI during the investigation," the mayor said. "We know nothing other than what has been reported in the past and that the investigation continues and the results will be reported to the District Attorney."
What happened
On the night of Oct. 16, CPD officers Boykin, Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young were in the police vehicle that initiated a traffic stop on a car Ball was riding in near the intersection of 21st Street North and 15th Avenue North.
Former Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton, who resigned shortly after the incident, has said the stop was initiated because of careless driving, no light above the license plate and lack of insurance.
Police say Ball fled the scene on foot. He was ultimately shot twice, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant. He was found roughly a block and a half away from where the traffic stop was initiated. A 9mm pistol and suspected marijuana were found near where he fell, according to CPD. He died that night from blood loss at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle.
Neither Boykin, Branch or Young activated their body cameras prior to or during the incident.
CPD officials said the 9mm found near Ball had been previously reported stolen from a Columbus police officers home. State officials told the city they would conduct forensic tests on the weapon to try and determine if Ball possessed it.
The shooting sparked a series of marches and community outcry at public meetings. City officials in early November organized a community meeting to address the incident. About 400 people attended.
The city council fired Boykin after the shooting and suspended Branch and Young. Young has said that on April 25, she will resign from the force for health concerns.
Earlier this year, Boykin filed a federal suit against the city. In his lawsuit, Boykin claims he tased Ball after Ball fled from the traffic stop.
The lawsuit says Ball fell on his back after being tased, and Boykin saw a pistol in Ball's right hand across his chest.
"The effects of the Taser wore off and Ball got up and began to run," the lawsuit continues. "As Ball was running, he turned his body to the right, facing (Boykin), as if to shoot (Boykin) with the pistol he had in his right hand."
Boykin shot Ball at that point, according to the lawsuit, which is ongoing.
Waiting for closure
Earnesto Ball is Ricky Ball's first cousin. He said it is hard for the family to wait so long without knowing for sure what happened.
"It makes it stressful," he said. "We can't get any closure without knowing anything. Everything we've heard from the council meetings or anything -- it's all the same. I understand they have a process and that by MBI doing the investigation the city wouldn't know anything.
"But I don't understand what's taking so long, as far as the investigation goes," Ball added. "I've heard so many stories it's hard to pinpoint exactly what went down."
Boykin's lawsuit claims that his dismissal as a result of the Ball incident "infringed on his good name and reputation, making it difficult, if not impossible, for him to find other employment."
Jim Waide, Boykin's attorney, said the prolonged investigation is also hindering closure for Boykin.
"It's a cloud hanging over Mr. Boykin," Waide said.
Turner said a lot of people, from Ball's friends to those in the neighborhood, are waiting to see what comes out of MBI's investigation.
"Don't think we're going to forget about it because we're not going to forget about it," Turner said. "We want to know what the conclusion is. A lot of people need closure."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=49577#ixzz4670jOEAl
Ricky Ball Shooting: Colom weighing release of state's investigation findings -BY Alex Holloway (The Dispatch)
Ricky Ball
Alex Holloway
March 17, 2016 10:27:22 AM
District Attorney Scott Colom is considering whether he will release to the public the findings of the state's investigation into Ricky Ball's police-involved shooting death last fall.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is still conducting its investigation into Ball's death, which occurred approximately five months ago on the night of Oct. 16.
Once the investigation is complete, Colom will receive the findings.
He told The Dispatch on Wednesday that while he believes in the need for transparency, he has to ensure the case's integrity.
"Once (MBI) completes its investigation, my office, in considering its next step, will have to balance its need for transparency with protecting the integrity of the investigation before the next step is taken," Colom said.
Colom also indicated that the findings will be presented to a grand jury.
However, who will present it is unclear.
Colom previously told The Dispatch after receiving a petition of more than 1,100 signatures seeking a grand jury investigation that he might consider asking Mississippi Attorney General Attorney Jim Hood to appoint a special prosecutor for the case.
For now, Colom said the investigation should be completed before those decisions are made.
"I think it's important that I don't pressure MBI until they have the amount of time they need," he said. "Once they complete that investigation, I'll review my options and complete my decision going forward."
MBI spokesperson Warren Strain said on Wednesday that state investigators are still "compiling test results and other components of the comprehensive case file."
Ball, 26, was shot and killed during an incident involving CPD officers Canyon Boykin, Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young on Oct. 16. None of the officers involved activated their body cameras prior to or during the shooting.
The city subsequently suspended Branch and Young. The city fired Boykin. City officials have not stated publicly who shot Ball.
It's unclear whether Ball -- who fled a traffic stop on foot before being shot twice -- was armed at the time. Several weeks after the incident, CPD reported finding a gun that was allegedly stolen from an officer's home near Ball's body.
New information has been slow to emerge during MBI's investigation.
CPD Assistant Chief Fred Shelton told The Dispatch on Wednesday that the department has not received any recent updates from MBI.
Ball's death sparked outrage, which led to two marches through Columbus, hundreds of citizens showing up to two city council meetings to voice concerns, and a special community meeting hosted by the mayor at Hunt School.
Boykin, in the wake of being fired, filed a federal lawsuit against the city, claiming he was wrongfully terminated. In documents from that lawsuit, Boykin contends Ball pointed a pistol at him.
City Attorney Jeff Turnage told The Dispatch on Wednesday that the city will file a response to Boykin's lawsuit this week.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=48935#ixzz462l7YmJA
March 17, 2016 10:27:22 AM
District Attorney Scott Colom is considering whether he will release to the public the findings of the state's investigation into Ricky Ball's police-involved shooting death last fall.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is still conducting its investigation into Ball's death, which occurred approximately five months ago on the night of Oct. 16.
Once the investigation is complete, Colom will receive the findings.
He told The Dispatch on Wednesday that while he believes in the need for transparency, he has to ensure the case's integrity.
"Once (MBI) completes its investigation, my office, in considering its next step, will have to balance its need for transparency with protecting the integrity of the investigation before the next step is taken," Colom said.
Colom also indicated that the findings will be presented to a grand jury.
However, who will present it is unclear.
Colom previously told The Dispatch after receiving a petition of more than 1,100 signatures seeking a grand jury investigation that he might consider asking Mississippi Attorney General Attorney Jim Hood to appoint a special prosecutor for the case.
For now, Colom said the investigation should be completed before those decisions are made.
"I think it's important that I don't pressure MBI until they have the amount of time they need," he said. "Once they complete that investigation, I'll review my options and complete my decision going forward."
MBI spokesperson Warren Strain said on Wednesday that state investigators are still "compiling test results and other components of the comprehensive case file."
Ball, 26, was shot and killed during an incident involving CPD officers Canyon Boykin, Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young on Oct. 16. None of the officers involved activated their body cameras prior to or during the shooting.
The city subsequently suspended Branch and Young. The city fired Boykin. City officials have not stated publicly who shot Ball.
It's unclear whether Ball -- who fled a traffic stop on foot before being shot twice -- was armed at the time. Several weeks after the incident, CPD reported finding a gun that was allegedly stolen from an officer's home near Ball's body.
New information has been slow to emerge during MBI's investigation.
CPD Assistant Chief Fred Shelton told The Dispatch on Wednesday that the department has not received any recent updates from MBI.
Ball's death sparked outrage, which led to two marches through Columbus, hundreds of citizens showing up to two city council meetings to voice concerns, and a special community meeting hosted by the mayor at Hunt School.
Boykin, in the wake of being fired, filed a federal lawsuit against the city, claiming he was wrongfully terminated. In documents from that lawsuit, Boykin contends Ball pointed a pistol at him.
City Attorney Jeff Turnage told The Dispatch on Wednesday that the city will file a response to Boykin's lawsuit this week.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=48935#ixzz462l7YmJA
Our View: City's handling of Ball incident continues to undermine confidence -By The Dispatch
February 12, 2016 12:28:45 PM
By it's very nature, the Oct. 16 officer-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball put the city of Columbus' elected leaders and its police department in a difficult situation.
The incident has left deep wounds on the city, but as the process of determining exactly what happened on that October night continues, we find the city and its police department have suffered some wounds of the self-inflicted variety, too.
It now appears the Columbus Police Department released two versions of its incident report - one obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by The Dispatch and another slightly different version provided to The Guardian newspaper.
The version released to The Dispatch in October noted Ball had been tased; the version acquired by The Guardian in January did not state he had been tased.
City attorney Jeff Turnage said the Guardian's version was the earliest version, made before evidence of the Taser use. The "official" version, the one obtained by The Dispatch, was the updated, correct report.
What some might view as a conspiracy to alter an official document was instead more likely to have been a act of sloppiness. There is no rational reason for the CPD to hold on to an inaccurate report, let alone disperse it to the media.
The city's first public response to the shooting - three days after the incident - was urging residents to remain calm, not to rush to judgment or put much stake in rumors.
Trust us, they said.
The two versions of an incident report is just the latest in a series of missteps and questionable coincidences that have undermined any trust residents have had.
From the start, the CPD's lax enforcement of its body camera policy set in motion an unfortunate series of events that were certain to shake the confidence of residents.
None of the three officers involved in the fateful traffic stop activated their body cameras during the confrontation. It was only well after the incident that the CPD put some real "teeth" into its policy, by then far too late to be of use in this incident.
The mistakes didn't end there, of course. It took three days for city officials to make any kind of public comment on the shooting, and in the days that followed, city and police officials seemed reluctant to share even the most benign information, facts that had no bearing on the investigation. It seemed city and police officials were suffering some sort of paralysis. It was four days after the shooting that then-CPD Chief Tony Carleton claimed that he finally got around to viewing what little body camera footage of the incident there was, footage gathered from one of the officers shortly after the shooting.
This week, one of the involved officers -- Canyon Boykin -- filed a wrongful termination suit against the city. His version of the events and the atmosphere surrounding the police department and city paint a disturbing picture.
It should be noted that lawsuits contain allegations, not proof. The claims detailed in the lawsuit must be proven in a court of law.
Even when the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation finishes its investigation and files its report, other probes will continue, including an FBI investigation of the CPD and a possible inquiry by the Department of Justice. All of that information will be presented to a grand jury, which will determine the course of action.
In the meantime, city and police officials urge residents to remain calm and exercise restraint.
Yet each mistake and misstep the city and its police department makes it more difficult for residents to have confidence in their leaders.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=48156#ixzz443seI9nX
By it's very nature, the Oct. 16 officer-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball put the city of Columbus' elected leaders and its police department in a difficult situation.
The incident has left deep wounds on the city, but as the process of determining exactly what happened on that October night continues, we find the city and its police department have suffered some wounds of the self-inflicted variety, too.
It now appears the Columbus Police Department released two versions of its incident report - one obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by The Dispatch and another slightly different version provided to The Guardian newspaper.
The version released to The Dispatch in October noted Ball had been tased; the version acquired by The Guardian in January did not state he had been tased.
City attorney Jeff Turnage said the Guardian's version was the earliest version, made before evidence of the Taser use. The "official" version, the one obtained by The Dispatch, was the updated, correct report.
What some might view as a conspiracy to alter an official document was instead more likely to have been a act of sloppiness. There is no rational reason for the CPD to hold on to an inaccurate report, let alone disperse it to the media.
The city's first public response to the shooting - three days after the incident - was urging residents to remain calm, not to rush to judgment or put much stake in rumors.
Trust us, they said.
The two versions of an incident report is just the latest in a series of missteps and questionable coincidences that have undermined any trust residents have had.
From the start, the CPD's lax enforcement of its body camera policy set in motion an unfortunate series of events that were certain to shake the confidence of residents.
None of the three officers involved in the fateful traffic stop activated their body cameras during the confrontation. It was only well after the incident that the CPD put some real "teeth" into its policy, by then far too late to be of use in this incident.
The mistakes didn't end there, of course. It took three days for city officials to make any kind of public comment on the shooting, and in the days that followed, city and police officials seemed reluctant to share even the most benign information, facts that had no bearing on the investigation. It seemed city and police officials were suffering some sort of paralysis. It was four days after the shooting that then-CPD Chief Tony Carleton claimed that he finally got around to viewing what little body camera footage of the incident there was, footage gathered from one of the officers shortly after the shooting.
This week, one of the involved officers -- Canyon Boykin -- filed a wrongful termination suit against the city. His version of the events and the atmosphere surrounding the police department and city paint a disturbing picture.
It should be noted that lawsuits contain allegations, not proof. The claims detailed in the lawsuit must be proven in a court of law.
Even when the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation finishes its investigation and files its report, other probes will continue, including an FBI investigation of the CPD and a possible inquiry by the Department of Justice. All of that information will be presented to a grand jury, which will determine the course of action.
In the meantime, city and police officials urge residents to remain calm and exercise restraint.
Yet each mistake and misstep the city and its police department makes it more difficult for residents to have confidence in their leaders.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=48156#ixzz443seI9nX
Jeff Turnage
Alex Holloway
February 12, 2016 12:29:02 PM
Columbus officials deny that they attempted to mislead anyone after a British publication reported finding inconsistencies between two incident reports released in relation to the police-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball last fall.
The Guardian newspaper reported Tuesday that city officials released an incident report in January that did not mention of a Taser being used prior to Ball's shooting death on Oct. 16.
This differs from an incident report The Dispatch received in November, which stated an officer with the Columbus Police Department used a Taser against Ball prior to shooting him.
City attorney Jeff Turnage, when contacted by The Dispatch on Thursday, said the incident report given to The Guardian was simply an early draft of the report. That draft, Turnage said, was released erroneously to The Guardian reporter.
Following Ball's death, the city received about 10 to 15 public records requests for the CPD's report on the shooting. Turnage said some parts of the reports were investigative in nature and therefore exempt from the Public Records Act because the Ball case remains under investigation.
Rather than deny the requests, Turnage said, the city decided to release some information. So an incident report was created in order to be given in response to the public records requests.
An early draft did not include the information about a Taser being used, according to Fred Shelton, the interim CPD chief.
"It wasn't altered," Shelton told The Dispatch. "The Taser was a very critical point, that it was used and we wanted to make sure that got out. That can account for that. The earlier report was just a first reaction, and then we found out some more details: That the Taser was actually deployed and was used, so we put it in there."
Matt Kessler, the Mississippi-based college student who wrote The Guardian piece, said he requested the incident report on Jan. 11, during a meeting with Columbus officials about the Ball incident.
On Jan. 12, Shelton gave Kessler a report.
On Tuesday, The Guardian published a story, authored by Kessler, with this headline: "Why did Mississippi police release two versions of fatal shooting report?"
Turnage said it was simply an error. Any claim, he added, that the city conspired to alter the report to muddle what happened on the night of Oct. 16 is incorrect.
Turnage could not say why the city still had an early draft on hand three months after it issued the finalized the incident report. The most he offered was that the shooting's circumstances led to a departure from normal procedure.
"Normally, we don't create an incident report purely to give to the public so that they can have some information," he said. "It just doesn't seem to me a likelihood that this would be an occurrence that ever happens."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=48153#ixzz43sEGoInF
February 12, 2016 12:29:02 PM
Columbus officials deny that they attempted to mislead anyone after a British publication reported finding inconsistencies between two incident reports released in relation to the police-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball last fall.
The Guardian newspaper reported Tuesday that city officials released an incident report in January that did not mention of a Taser being used prior to Ball's shooting death on Oct. 16.
This differs from an incident report The Dispatch received in November, which stated an officer with the Columbus Police Department used a Taser against Ball prior to shooting him.
City attorney Jeff Turnage, when contacted by The Dispatch on Thursday, said the incident report given to The Guardian was simply an early draft of the report. That draft, Turnage said, was released erroneously to The Guardian reporter.
Following Ball's death, the city received about 10 to 15 public records requests for the CPD's report on the shooting. Turnage said some parts of the reports were investigative in nature and therefore exempt from the Public Records Act because the Ball case remains under investigation.
Rather than deny the requests, Turnage said, the city decided to release some information. So an incident report was created in order to be given in response to the public records requests.
An early draft did not include the information about a Taser being used, according to Fred Shelton, the interim CPD chief.
"It wasn't altered," Shelton told The Dispatch. "The Taser was a very critical point, that it was used and we wanted to make sure that got out. That can account for that. The earlier report was just a first reaction, and then we found out some more details: That the Taser was actually deployed and was used, so we put it in there."
Matt Kessler, the Mississippi-based college student who wrote The Guardian piece, said he requested the incident report on Jan. 11, during a meeting with Columbus officials about the Ball incident.
On Jan. 12, Shelton gave Kessler a report.
On Tuesday, The Guardian published a story, authored by Kessler, with this headline: "Why did Mississippi police release two versions of fatal shooting report?"
Turnage said it was simply an error. Any claim, he added, that the city conspired to alter the report to muddle what happened on the night of Oct. 16 is incorrect.
Turnage could not say why the city still had an early draft on hand three months after it issued the finalized the incident report. The most he offered was that the shooting's circumstances led to a departure from normal procedure.
"Normally, we don't create an incident report purely to give to the public so that they can have some information," he said. "It just doesn't seem to me a likelihood that this would be an occurrence that ever happens."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=48153#ixzz43sEGoInF
White police officer alleges racial bias after being fired for shooting black man -BY Matt Kessler in Oxford, Mississippi
The Guardian --Thursday 11 February 2016 07.00 EST
Mississippi police officer Canyon Boykin files racial discrimination lawsuit alleging he was fired from his job because the man he shot and killed is black.
A police officer who shot and killed a 26-year-old man in Columbus, Mississippi, has filed a lawsuit alleging he was fired from his job because he is white and the man he shot was black.
In a seven-page complaint, Canyon Boykin claims he is the victim of racial discrimination and that his 14th amendment rights were violated. He claims that he would not have been discharged “except that he is white and the deceased was black”.
Boykin was fired after he shot and killed Ricky Ball, in a case that has raised suspicion, questions and protests from the local community. Members of the city council say the official reasons for firing him were because he violated department policies by failing to activate his body camera, by posting offensive messages on Instagram and by allowing his girlfriend to ride in his police car for an unauthorized “ride along”. Columbus city attorney Jeff Turnage said that the body camera violation occurred when Officer Boykin failed to turn on his camera before shooting Ball.
Turnage also points to an Instagram photo that Boykin posted that makes use of a derogatory term for black people.
Boykin’s civil action argues that the Instagram post was over a year old, and that the post expressed “Boykin’s opinion on social matters”. The complaint also claims that he is not racist in a footnote.
The lawsuit states: “Plaintiff’s lack of prejudice against black persons is established through an earlier incident in which Plaintiff, along with Officer Johnny Max Branch, dove into a freezing lake and saved a black criminal suspect from drowning.”
Boykin says he actually tried to resign prior to his firing, but that his resignation was rejected.
Boykin’s lawsuit is another odd development in a case that has seen one twist after another. In addition to Boykin’s firing, several other officials including the former chief have left the Columbus police department since the shooting of Ball, but none have been directly linked to the shooting.
The city of Columbus has released two official versions of a report on the shooting without having noted any alteration. The first version released in November claimed that Boykin used a stun gun on Ball. The second version released to the Guardian in January omits mention of the stun gun. And police say Ball possessed a gun that was stolen from a police officer. Reported burglaries to that officer’s home were not reported until after Ball’s death – months after they are alleged to have occurred.
The chief of police, Fred Shelton, and the former chief, Tony Carleton, both declined to comment.
Mississippi police officer Canyon Boykin files racial discrimination lawsuit alleging he was fired from his job because the man he shot and killed is black.
A police officer who shot and killed a 26-year-old man in Columbus, Mississippi, has filed a lawsuit alleging he was fired from his job because he is white and the man he shot was black.
In a seven-page complaint, Canyon Boykin claims he is the victim of racial discrimination and that his 14th amendment rights were violated. He claims that he would not have been discharged “except that he is white and the deceased was black”.
Boykin was fired after he shot and killed Ricky Ball, in a case that has raised suspicion, questions and protests from the local community. Members of the city council say the official reasons for firing him were because he violated department policies by failing to activate his body camera, by posting offensive messages on Instagram and by allowing his girlfriend to ride in his police car for an unauthorized “ride along”. Columbus city attorney Jeff Turnage said that the body camera violation occurred when Officer Boykin failed to turn on his camera before shooting Ball.
Turnage also points to an Instagram photo that Boykin posted that makes use of a derogatory term for black people.
Boykin’s civil action argues that the Instagram post was over a year old, and that the post expressed “Boykin’s opinion on social matters”. The complaint also claims that he is not racist in a footnote.
The lawsuit states: “Plaintiff’s lack of prejudice against black persons is established through an earlier incident in which Plaintiff, along with Officer Johnny Max Branch, dove into a freezing lake and saved a black criminal suspect from drowning.”
Boykin says he actually tried to resign prior to his firing, but that his resignation was rejected.
Boykin’s lawsuit is another odd development in a case that has seen one twist after another. In addition to Boykin’s firing, several other officials including the former chief have left the Columbus police department since the shooting of Ball, but none have been directly linked to the shooting.
The city of Columbus has released two official versions of a report on the shooting without having noted any alteration. The first version released in November claimed that Boykin used a stun gun on Ball. The second version released to the Guardian in January omits mention of the stun gun. And police say Ball possessed a gun that was stolen from a police officer. Reported burglaries to that officer’s home were not reported until after Ball’s death – months after they are alleged to have occurred.
The chief of police, Fred Shelton, and the former chief, Tony Carleton, both declined to comment.
Video: Ricky Ball Autopsy Results Finished -BY ROBERT DAVIDSON · FEBRUARY 3, 2016
CPD PRESS RELEASE
State investigators continue their work on the case of the police shooting and later death of Ricky Ball of Columbus.
Ball was shot by a Columbus Police officer on October 16, 2015, after a traffic stop near 22nd Street and 15th Avenue North.
Ball died that evening. It was reported that he was shot twice. The case was immediately referred to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) because officers with the Columbus Police Department were involved in the shooting.
The State Medical Examiner of Mississippi has completed a final autopsy. Those results will be included in MBI’s final investigative report.
The State Crime Lab is also performing scientific tests on evidence collected in the case. Those results will also be part of the report.
MBI will submit its final investigative report to Scott Colom, District Attorney for Mississippi Judicial District 16. ###
State investigators continue their work on the case of the police shooting and later death of Ricky Ball of Columbus.
Ball was shot by a Columbus Police officer on October 16, 2015, after a traffic stop near 22nd Street and 15th Avenue North.
Ball died that evening. It was reported that he was shot twice. The case was immediately referred to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) because officers with the Columbus Police Department were involved in the shooting.
The State Medical Examiner of Mississippi has completed a final autopsy. Those results will be included in MBI’s final investigative report.
The State Crime Lab is also performing scientific tests on evidence collected in the case. Those results will also be part of the report.
MBI will submit its final investigative report to Scott Colom, District Attorney for Mississippi Judicial District 16. ###
Fred Shelton
Alex Holloway
January 6, 2016 9:25:51 AM
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's look into the Ricky Ball case is making progress, according to Columbus Police Department Interim Chief Fred Shelton.
Shelton, who said he's been in contact with an MBI representative, provided an update on the case during Tuesday's Columbus City Council meeting.
Shelton said a preliminary autopsy has been completed, but MBI is not ready to release their findings. He also said MBI has taken witness statements and is awaiting evidence testing from the State Crime Lab.
Ball, 26, was fatally shot in an officer-involved incident on Oct. 16. The incident sparked community outrage and led the council to fire officer Canyon Boykin and suspend officers Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young without pay. Branch and Young have since returned to service.
It's unclear what happened to Ball during the incident.
At 10:08 p.m. Oct. 16, Boykin, Branch and Young, who were riding together, attempted to pull over a vehicle near 22nd Street North and 15th Avenue North. Former Police Chief Tony Carleton said the officers, who were members of CPD's now-disbanded special operations group, initiated the stop for careless driving, no light above the license plate and lack of insurance.
Ball was a passenger in the vehicle. He jumped out and fled on foot, according to authorities.
What happened next is still unclear. CPD officials have said a "scuffle" ensued as officers attempted to arrest Ball. The struggle ended after an officer shot Ball.
The remaining details are still under investigation.
"We don't want to put anything out prematurely before we get the final report," Shelton told councilmen. "We've also made an agreement that every two weeks, I will call and he will update me. He was still not able to give me a specific time when all the evidence will be ready. As things start becoming available, he will let me know everything -- we'll stay in contact every two weeks and I will update you as he updates me.
Shelton said the investigation's findings will be turned over to District Attorney Scott Colom once MBI concludes its work.
"That information will be submitted to the district attorney and the district attorney will make a determination of where we will go with the case form there," he said.
CPD body camera usage rising
December saw the highest number of monthly body camera video uploads yet from CPD officers, according to a press release...None of the officers involved in the Ball incident activated their cameras until after Ball had been shot.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=47363#ixzz3wiFbTyKO
January 6, 2016 9:25:51 AM
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's look into the Ricky Ball case is making progress, according to Columbus Police Department Interim Chief Fred Shelton.
Shelton, who said he's been in contact with an MBI representative, provided an update on the case during Tuesday's Columbus City Council meeting.
Shelton said a preliminary autopsy has been completed, but MBI is not ready to release their findings. He also said MBI has taken witness statements and is awaiting evidence testing from the State Crime Lab.
Ball, 26, was fatally shot in an officer-involved incident on Oct. 16. The incident sparked community outrage and led the council to fire officer Canyon Boykin and suspend officers Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young without pay. Branch and Young have since returned to service.
It's unclear what happened to Ball during the incident.
At 10:08 p.m. Oct. 16, Boykin, Branch and Young, who were riding together, attempted to pull over a vehicle near 22nd Street North and 15th Avenue North. Former Police Chief Tony Carleton said the officers, who were members of CPD's now-disbanded special operations group, initiated the stop for careless driving, no light above the license plate and lack of insurance.
Ball was a passenger in the vehicle. He jumped out and fled on foot, according to authorities.
What happened next is still unclear. CPD officials have said a "scuffle" ensued as officers attempted to arrest Ball. The struggle ended after an officer shot Ball.
The remaining details are still under investigation.
"We don't want to put anything out prematurely before we get the final report," Shelton told councilmen. "We've also made an agreement that every two weeks, I will call and he will update me. He was still not able to give me a specific time when all the evidence will be ready. As things start becoming available, he will let me know everything -- we'll stay in contact every two weeks and I will update you as he updates me.
Shelton said the investigation's findings will be turned over to District Attorney Scott Colom once MBI concludes its work.
"That information will be submitted to the district attorney and the district attorney will make a determination of where we will go with the case form there," he said.
CPD body camera usage rising
December saw the highest number of monthly body camera video uploads yet from CPD officers, according to a press release...None of the officers involved in the Ball incident activated their cameras until after Ball had been shot.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=47363#ixzz3wiFbTyKO
**New details raise questions in police shooting** -By Steve Rogers Dec. 4, 2015
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- New details emerge in a deadly police shooting seven weeks ago. And while they raise questions, experts warn about jumping to conclusions.
On October 16, the Columbus Police Department was thrown into turmoil when an officer shot 26-year-old Ricky Ball when he fled from a traffic stop. It prompted a month of quiet protests and questions.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues a thorough look at the case. But this week, some new details and questions arose.
One thing of note, Yolanda Young, the supervisor of the group, never got out of the car on other traffic stops between the time the team started its shift and Ball’s shooting. And during those previous stops, either Canyon Boykin or Max Branch used their body cameras, but at no time did both of them.
During the traffic stop and chase with Ball, none of the three did until after the shots were fired. City officials want to know why, but they acknowledge it could just have been the heat of the moment since the other traffic stops went smoothly. That's why they ask for patience.
“We don’t want folks to jump to conclusions. Again, we’re doing what we can as far as the lane we’re given to investigate the policies," Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem said.
But a committee that started work Thursday reviewing how the special operations group — of which Young, Boykin and Branch were the primary members — has asked Interim Chief Fred Shelton to get the company that handles the city's body camera video to confirm that no video from the night of the shooting has been altered.
Ball jumped from a car and ran during a traffic stop on 14th Avenue North at 21st Street. Boykin knocked him down with a Taser shot but didn’t tase him again as Ball got back up. Why not is another question as is why Young and Branch weren't close enough to help Boykin subdue Ball.
“There are some concerns I have as far as the standard operating procedure that went on with this special operations group," Karriem said.
Investigators found nine shell casings from Boykin’s police-issued 40-caliber handgun. He says he fired when Ball pointed a gun at him as he ran away. If Ball did pull a gun, why so many shots when they knew who Ball was? Boykin and Branch had chased Ball unsuccessfully in another traffic stop attempt less than two months earlier.
And the department's drug officer has called them and told them to stop the car because he had information Ball possessed drugs.
Again, experts say don’t let suspicions and conspiracy theories run wild.
“You can have everything go perfectly right and have a bad result happen, and then you can have things that go wrong and still have a justified outcome. So it’s important for everybody to wait and see what an independent investigation turns up," noted William Stark, a Columbus defense attorney and Lowndes County public defender who deals with many drug cases.
Ball had previously been indicted on charges of selling cocaine and marijuana, and drugs were found near his body the night of the shooting.
The MBI still hasn’t given any indication when it will complete its review.
Meanwhile, a committee that started its review of the SOG will meet again next week. It expects to recommend changes at the December 15 City Council meeting.
Members say those changes likely will include better training, more accountability and discipline, dismantling the special operations group and further action against Officer Young.
- See more at: http://www.wtva.com/news/New_details_raise_questions_in_police_shooting.html#sthash.f7uAnLXr.dpuf
On October 16, the Columbus Police Department was thrown into turmoil when an officer shot 26-year-old Ricky Ball when he fled from a traffic stop. It prompted a month of quiet protests and questions.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues a thorough look at the case. But this week, some new details and questions arose.
One thing of note, Yolanda Young, the supervisor of the group, never got out of the car on other traffic stops between the time the team started its shift and Ball’s shooting. And during those previous stops, either Canyon Boykin or Max Branch used their body cameras, but at no time did both of them.
During the traffic stop and chase with Ball, none of the three did until after the shots were fired. City officials want to know why, but they acknowledge it could just have been the heat of the moment since the other traffic stops went smoothly. That's why they ask for patience.
“We don’t want folks to jump to conclusions. Again, we’re doing what we can as far as the lane we’re given to investigate the policies," Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem said.
But a committee that started work Thursday reviewing how the special operations group — of which Young, Boykin and Branch were the primary members — has asked Interim Chief Fred Shelton to get the company that handles the city's body camera video to confirm that no video from the night of the shooting has been altered.
Ball jumped from a car and ran during a traffic stop on 14th Avenue North at 21st Street. Boykin knocked him down with a Taser shot but didn’t tase him again as Ball got back up. Why not is another question as is why Young and Branch weren't close enough to help Boykin subdue Ball.
“There are some concerns I have as far as the standard operating procedure that went on with this special operations group," Karriem said.
Investigators found nine shell casings from Boykin’s police-issued 40-caliber handgun. He says he fired when Ball pointed a gun at him as he ran away. If Ball did pull a gun, why so many shots when they knew who Ball was? Boykin and Branch had chased Ball unsuccessfully in another traffic stop attempt less than two months earlier.
And the department's drug officer has called them and told them to stop the car because he had information Ball possessed drugs.
Again, experts say don’t let suspicions and conspiracy theories run wild.
“You can have everything go perfectly right and have a bad result happen, and then you can have things that go wrong and still have a justified outcome. So it’s important for everybody to wait and see what an independent investigation turns up," noted William Stark, a Columbus defense attorney and Lowndes County public defender who deals with many drug cases.
Ball had previously been indicted on charges of selling cocaine and marijuana, and drugs were found near his body the night of the shooting.
The MBI still hasn’t given any indication when it will complete its review.
Meanwhile, a committee that started its review of the SOG will meet again next week. It expects to recommend changes at the December 15 City Council meeting.
Members say those changes likely will include better training, more accountability and discipline, dismantling the special operations group and further action against Officer Young.
- See more at: http://www.wtva.com/news/New_details_raise_questions_in_police_shooting.html#sthash.f7uAnLXr.dpuf
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#justiceforrickyball
Posted by Justice for Ricky Ball on Monday, November 2, 2015
Three officers on administrative leave over shooting -By Mel Carlock Oct. 19, 2015 COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA)
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Angry public packs City Council chambers demanding justice -By Sunya Walls Oct. 20, 2015
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- "We’re not coming up here with the intentions of being hostile, but people are going to come up here and act hostile because we’re not hearing the answers we need to hear," said a Columbus resident.
That was the way it was much of the night Tuesday inside the city council chamber.
More than a dozen people spoke for more than an hour during a public comment period.
Many put Police Chief Tony Carleton in the cross hairs. He is at a disadvantage because the city turned the shooting over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the MBI.
The MBI ordered officials to not release information on the fatal shooting.
"However, many questions can only be answered after the investigation is complete," said Chief Carleton.
New information was scarce. Carleton did say that one of the three officers involved radioed 10 seconds after the initial traffic stop that shots had been fired.
And, the undercover officers made the initial stop for no tag light. Chief Carleton did not confirm if a weapon or shell casings have been found. He also didn't confirm that the driver of the car was a white woman who is a police informant.
It’s still unclear why Ball was with her, why she picked him up on the Southside where he lived or why she told police after the shooting she didn’t know his name.
The crowd claimed otherwise, even to the point they said officers had been harassing Ball for three weeks.
The crowd included the mother of Ball’s 4-year-old daughter, Cynthia Hendricks.
"I want to be transparent with everything we are doing but there are questions we have to wait until we come back with the investigation," said Carleton.
Finally, one of three local pastors who have asked for patience and unity provided a voice of reason.
"You all as our leaders are going to hold our police department accountable. Let’s say we find things weren’t on the up and up. Let's not tear the city down. Let’s say we find the officer was acting within his duties and responsibilities, we have to adjust, we have to take it peacefully,” said Rev. R.J. Matthews.
- See more at: http://www.wtva.com/news/Angry_public_packs_city_council_chambers_demanding_justice.html#sthash.Vn07JMmH.dpuf
That was the way it was much of the night Tuesday inside the city council chamber.
More than a dozen people spoke for more than an hour during a public comment period.
Many put Police Chief Tony Carleton in the cross hairs. He is at a disadvantage because the city turned the shooting over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the MBI.
The MBI ordered officials to not release information on the fatal shooting.
"However, many questions can only be answered after the investigation is complete," said Chief Carleton.
New information was scarce. Carleton did say that one of the three officers involved radioed 10 seconds after the initial traffic stop that shots had been fired.
And, the undercover officers made the initial stop for no tag light. Chief Carleton did not confirm if a weapon or shell casings have been found. He also didn't confirm that the driver of the car was a white woman who is a police informant.
It’s still unclear why Ball was with her, why she picked him up on the Southside where he lived or why she told police after the shooting she didn’t know his name.
The crowd claimed otherwise, even to the point they said officers had been harassing Ball for three weeks.
The crowd included the mother of Ball’s 4-year-old daughter, Cynthia Hendricks.
"I want to be transparent with everything we are doing but there are questions we have to wait until we come back with the investigation," said Carleton.
Finally, one of three local pastors who have asked for patience and unity provided a voice of reason.
"You all as our leaders are going to hold our police department accountable. Let’s say we find things weren’t on the up and up. Let's not tear the city down. Let’s say we find the officer was acting within his duties and responsibilities, we have to adjust, we have to take it peacefully,” said Rev. R.J. Matthews.
- See more at: http://www.wtva.com/news/Angry_public_packs_city_council_chambers_demanding_justice.html#sthash.Vn07JMmH.dpuf
Citizens express frustration at city council meeting after police shooting -BY Alex Holloway (The Dispatch)
A crowd attended the Columbus City Council meeting on Tuesday evening at the Municipal Complex.
Photo by: Alex Holloway/Dispatch Staff
Alex Holloway
October 21, 2015 11:04:48 AM
For nearly an hour and a half, angry citizens railed against city officials for a lack of details on the incident that ended with a Columbus Police Department officer killing 26-year-old Ricky Ball on Friday night.
Citizens filled the municipal court to the brim Tuesday evening for a Columbus City Council meeting. Early on, city officials struggled to determine how to handle the crowd, as an otherwise light agenda quickly took a back seat to a prolonged citizen comment session.
Ball was a passenger in a car police officers attempted to stop about 10 p.m. Friday near the intersection of 14th Avenue North and 21st Street North. A woman driving the car did not stop immediately and Ball jumped from the car and ran, according to Warren Strain, spokesperson with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton said a scuffle occurred during the incident, but has declined to provide further details. Officials have not indicated if Ball was armed or fired any shots at officers.
Little new information arose during the meeting, as Carleton repeatedly told frustrated speakers that he could not comment on much of the case due to an ongoing MBI investigation.
Carleton confirmed during a conversation with Ball's uncle, David Weatherspoon, that the attempted traffic stop that spawned the incident were for minor charges.
"One of them was for no insurance," he said, to the ire of the crowd, "and the other was for no tag lights. That was the reason for the stops."
Carleton could say little else, as MBI has requested that city officials refer any questions on the incident or its investigation to spokesperson Warren Strain.
Weatherspoon repeatedly asked to know who the female driver was. Carleton declined to release the information, citing the investigation. City officials declined to answer if the driver had been arrested.
"As a family member, I think it's my right to be able to confront a witness in any situation where a life has been taken," Weatherspoon said. "Wouldn't you want to know what happened if you had someone involved in an accident or was killed? In all fairness, now, if that was your son, or your nephew, you'd be like, 'Wait a minute now, where is she at? Who is she?'"
Weatherspoon, and several other speakers, expressed skepticism CPD will release any information without tampering with it, despite Carleton's repeated assurances for transparency.
"I know we've got an investigation," Weatherspoon said. "We ain't trying to figure out a lot of stuff that doesn't really matter. We just want to know what happened at the moment it happened. We're just trying to get the significant stuff. Who was this lady? What role did she play? How do I know she wasn't police?"
As the night wore on, many citizens asked Carleton about rumors that have emerged in the days since Ball's shooting. One speaker said he'd been harassed by officers before, while others asked why Ball was reportedly shot in the back. Officials say Ball was struck twice. However, they have declined to release where the bullets struck him.
Some comments were heated. One speaker called Columbus Mayor Robert Smith "an embarrassment to black people."
Others, such as those from Kingdom Vision International Church Pastor RJ Matthews, urged calm from the community while seeking accountability from city officials.
"We've got to hold them (city officials) accountable -- we've got to hold them accountable to the things that are valuable to our community," Matthews said. "But not only that, guys, because you know what? We've got to hold ourselves accountable. We've got to hold each other accountable.
"Nobody should be assumed to be guilty," Matthews later said. "Not Ricky, not the officer. That's the kind of responsibility that we have to take together. If we can do that, we'll get through this."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=45648#ixzz443oKGCmD
October 21, 2015 11:04:48 AM
For nearly an hour and a half, angry citizens railed against city officials for a lack of details on the incident that ended with a Columbus Police Department officer killing 26-year-old Ricky Ball on Friday night.
Citizens filled the municipal court to the brim Tuesday evening for a Columbus City Council meeting. Early on, city officials struggled to determine how to handle the crowd, as an otherwise light agenda quickly took a back seat to a prolonged citizen comment session.
Ball was a passenger in a car police officers attempted to stop about 10 p.m. Friday near the intersection of 14th Avenue North and 21st Street North. A woman driving the car did not stop immediately and Ball jumped from the car and ran, according to Warren Strain, spokesperson with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton said a scuffle occurred during the incident, but has declined to provide further details. Officials have not indicated if Ball was armed or fired any shots at officers.
Little new information arose during the meeting, as Carleton repeatedly told frustrated speakers that he could not comment on much of the case due to an ongoing MBI investigation.
Carleton confirmed during a conversation with Ball's uncle, David Weatherspoon, that the attempted traffic stop that spawned the incident were for minor charges.
"One of them was for no insurance," he said, to the ire of the crowd, "and the other was for no tag lights. That was the reason for the stops."
Carleton could say little else, as MBI has requested that city officials refer any questions on the incident or its investigation to spokesperson Warren Strain.
Weatherspoon repeatedly asked to know who the female driver was. Carleton declined to release the information, citing the investigation. City officials declined to answer if the driver had been arrested.
"As a family member, I think it's my right to be able to confront a witness in any situation where a life has been taken," Weatherspoon said. "Wouldn't you want to know what happened if you had someone involved in an accident or was killed? In all fairness, now, if that was your son, or your nephew, you'd be like, 'Wait a minute now, where is she at? Who is she?'"
Weatherspoon, and several other speakers, expressed skepticism CPD will release any information without tampering with it, despite Carleton's repeated assurances for transparency.
"I know we've got an investigation," Weatherspoon said. "We ain't trying to figure out a lot of stuff that doesn't really matter. We just want to know what happened at the moment it happened. We're just trying to get the significant stuff. Who was this lady? What role did she play? How do I know she wasn't police?"
As the night wore on, many citizens asked Carleton about rumors that have emerged in the days since Ball's shooting. One speaker said he'd been harassed by officers before, while others asked why Ball was reportedly shot in the back. Officials say Ball was struck twice. However, they have declined to release where the bullets struck him.
Some comments were heated. One speaker called Columbus Mayor Robert Smith "an embarrassment to black people."
Others, such as those from Kingdom Vision International Church Pastor RJ Matthews, urged calm from the community while seeking accountability from city officials.
"We've got to hold them (city officials) accountable -- we've got to hold them accountable to the things that are valuable to our community," Matthews said. "But not only that, guys, because you know what? We've got to hold ourselves accountable. We've got to hold each other accountable.
"Nobody should be assumed to be guilty," Matthews later said. "Not Ricky, not the officer. That's the kind of responsibility that we have to take together. If we can do that, we'll get through this."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=45648#ixzz443oKGCmD
Autopsy reveals Ricky Ball was shot twice -By Andrew Hazzard (The Dispatch)
Andrew Hazzard
October 21, 2015 11:04:46 AM
Ricky Ball, the 26-year-old shot and killed by a Columbus police officer Friday, died as a result of blood loss due to two gunshot wounds.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant said an autopsy was conducted Monday at the state Crime Lab in Jackson. Two bullets were removed from Ball's body, according to Merchant.
Ball was shot by a police officer about 10 p.m. Friday. He was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and pronounced dead roughly an hour later.
CPD has turned the investigation over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, per department policy. MBI and CPD have given out few details on the events that led to officers using force last week.
MBI spokesperson Warren Strain said Wednesday morning that only the preliminary autopsy results are in at this time, and that more tests will be run.
"The preliminary autopsy has been conducted, but still there are samples that have to be processed through the crime laboratory," Strain said. "So that report won't be completed until those results come back through the crime lab."
Strain said there are a series of samples that are taken during the course of the autopsy and those samples must be processed to ensure a thorough investigation.
Strain said he has not spoken directly with the medical examiner and could not say exactly where the two bullets struck Ball. He said MBI hopes the community can be patient.
The incident that led to Ball's death began around 10 p.m. with a traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Street North and 14th Avenue North in Columbus, Strain said. CPD attempted to pull over the car -- which Merchant said was a Mercury Grand Marquis -- for a routine traffic stop. Carleton said Tuesday night, during a city council meeting, that the stop was initiated because of a faulty tail light on the vehicle. Strain said a female driver did not stop immediately.
"The driver didn't stop," Strain said. "From what I understand, Mr. Ball jumped from the car and ran. They proceeded on foot. And that's what we're trying to sort out now, what happened from the time he left the vehicle to the time he was fatally wounded."
CPD began wearing Axon body cameras department wide in early 2015. Strain said that any footage and audio recordings will be part of MBI's investigation.
"They are issued body cameras and that video will be reviewed," Strain said. "That'll be part of the case file as well."
The Dispatch, at the scene in the Memphis Town neighborhood Tuesday, saw three locations that had recently been taped off by authorities.
Eric Collins, an area resident, led The Dispatch to a home in the 1900 block of 14th Avenue North. In the small crevice underneath the rear of the home, Collins and other residents said Ball hid from police. CPD officers found Ball there, neighbors said.
There were remnants of crime scene tape and dried blood on the side panels of the white house.
CPD Chief Tony Carleton announced Monday that three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. He declined to name the officers.
Dispatch reporter Isabelle Altman contributed to this story.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=45647#ixzz3vnZCcb1D
October 21, 2015 11:04:46 AM
Ricky Ball, the 26-year-old shot and killed by a Columbus police officer Friday, died as a result of blood loss due to two gunshot wounds.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant said an autopsy was conducted Monday at the state Crime Lab in Jackson. Two bullets were removed from Ball's body, according to Merchant.
Ball was shot by a police officer about 10 p.m. Friday. He was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and pronounced dead roughly an hour later.
CPD has turned the investigation over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, per department policy. MBI and CPD have given out few details on the events that led to officers using force last week.
MBI spokesperson Warren Strain said Wednesday morning that only the preliminary autopsy results are in at this time, and that more tests will be run.
"The preliminary autopsy has been conducted, but still there are samples that have to be processed through the crime laboratory," Strain said. "So that report won't be completed until those results come back through the crime lab."
Strain said there are a series of samples that are taken during the course of the autopsy and those samples must be processed to ensure a thorough investigation.
Strain said he has not spoken directly with the medical examiner and could not say exactly where the two bullets struck Ball. He said MBI hopes the community can be patient.
The incident that led to Ball's death began around 10 p.m. with a traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Street North and 14th Avenue North in Columbus, Strain said. CPD attempted to pull over the car -- which Merchant said was a Mercury Grand Marquis -- for a routine traffic stop. Carleton said Tuesday night, during a city council meeting, that the stop was initiated because of a faulty tail light on the vehicle. Strain said a female driver did not stop immediately.
"The driver didn't stop," Strain said. "From what I understand, Mr. Ball jumped from the car and ran. They proceeded on foot. And that's what we're trying to sort out now, what happened from the time he left the vehicle to the time he was fatally wounded."
CPD began wearing Axon body cameras department wide in early 2015. Strain said that any footage and audio recordings will be part of MBI's investigation.
"They are issued body cameras and that video will be reviewed," Strain said. "That'll be part of the case file as well."
The Dispatch, at the scene in the Memphis Town neighborhood Tuesday, saw three locations that had recently been taped off by authorities.
Eric Collins, an area resident, led The Dispatch to a home in the 1900 block of 14th Avenue North. In the small crevice underneath the rear of the home, Collins and other residents said Ball hid from police. CPD officers found Ball there, neighbors said.
There were remnants of crime scene tape and dried blood on the side panels of the white house.
CPD Chief Tony Carleton announced Monday that three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. He declined to name the officers.
Dispatch reporter Isabelle Altman contributed to this story.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=45647#ixzz3vnZCcb1D
Names of Columbus officers involved in fatal shooting made public -By Gabriel Austin Oct. 22, 2015 COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA)
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Officials discuss on radio recent police shooting -By Steve Rogers and Craig Ford Oct. 21, 2015 COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA)
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UPDATE: Columbus police release some shooting details
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By Steve Rogers Oct. 27, 2015
NOTE: The original story follows. The police department release is posted in its entirety at the bottom.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- Columbus city leaders are considering disciplinary action against three police officers involved in a fatal Oct. 16 shooting even before a final investigation is completed.
The disciplinary action, if taken, would be for policy violations and not for the actual shooting of 26-year-old Ricky Ball when he fled from a traffic stop. City leaders say even if the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation finds the shooting was justified because Ball pulled a gun on them, the officers still violated policies before and/or during the incident.
Officer Canyon Boykin, who is thought to have fired the shots that killed Ball, could be terminated. He’s previously been suspended for not turning his body camera on during incidents and did not turn it on until after the shooting happened. His girlfriend also was with him without authorization in the unmarked special operations car and racial slurs posted to his Instagram account prior to the shooting likely violated the city's spocial media policy.
Boykin's girlfriend was taken from the scene back to the police department after the incident.
Two other officers, Max Branch and Yolanda Young, also would be punished for allowing Boykin’s girlfriend to ride without reporting it and for not properly turning on their body cameras.
The officers have gotten advice from lawyers for the Police Benevolence Council.
Ball, who was arrested in September 2014 on cocaine and marijuana sale charges and faced a November court date, was a passenger in a 2007 Mercury Marquis driven by 33-year-old Shannon Brewer when the three officers in the unmarked car tried to pull them over on 14th Avenue North and 21st Street shortly after 10 p.m. on Oct. 16.
The car didn't stop immediately and when it did, Ball jumped and ran and Boykin gave chase while the other officers took control of the car and helped in the pursuit. It's unclear why the car didn't stop at first.
The traffic stop was for careless driving and no light over the car's license plate, a probable cause technique frequently used by police in many communities to stop and check cars. Brewer eventually was given tickets for the light, the driving and no proof of insurance.
She told police she didn't know Ball's name and had picked him up on the city's Southside, near where he lived, and was giving him a ride.
As Ball fled, sources say he pulled a gun, which may have been stolen, and turned on Boykin. Witnesses reported hearing between nine and 11 shots -- five to seven in rapid succession, a pause, two more and another pause and two more. It's unclear whether the gun Ball was said to have had had been fired.
At least one bullet was found lodged in a house along the narrow streets where the chase and shooting occurred.
Sources tell WTVA Boykin's video does not begin until after the shots were fired. It shows him in a panic and apparently distraught for having fired shots and repeating that the man, who officers didn't know at the time, had pulled a gun on him.
All weapons are being tested as part of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's probe of the shooting.
Ball was struck twice, once in the upper right arm and the other in the backside. The one in the upper arm entered the chest cavity and lodged there. The other bullet also was recovered.
He continued running for a block and a half before collapsing behind a house on 14th Avenue near 19th Street. It took officers about 20 minutes to find him and along with paramedics and firefighters, begin life-saving efforts.
He died at the Baptist Memorial Hospital about an hour after the shooting. An autopsy ruled excessive blood loss as the cause of death.
Ball's criminal charges dated from allegations that he sold cocaine and marijuana to an undercover agent on June 13, 2013. He was not arrested until September 2014 in part because he was living part of the time in Memphis. He was indicted earlier this year and was free on $15,000 bond.
Lowndes County court and jail records show Brewer had no prior felony record.
The three officers have been on paid administrative leave since the shooting.
The MBI has said it could be 30 days or more before its probe is complete.
See more at: http://www.wtva.com/news/Columbus_May_Discipline_Officers_Before_Probe_Complete.html#sthash.b0UiJMri.dpuf
NOTE: The original story follows. The police department release is posted in its entirety at the bottom.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) -- Columbus city leaders are considering disciplinary action against three police officers involved in a fatal Oct. 16 shooting even before a final investigation is completed.
The disciplinary action, if taken, would be for policy violations and not for the actual shooting of 26-year-old Ricky Ball when he fled from a traffic stop. City leaders say even if the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation finds the shooting was justified because Ball pulled a gun on them, the officers still violated policies before and/or during the incident.
Officer Canyon Boykin, who is thought to have fired the shots that killed Ball, could be terminated. He’s previously been suspended for not turning his body camera on during incidents and did not turn it on until after the shooting happened. His girlfriend also was with him without authorization in the unmarked special operations car and racial slurs posted to his Instagram account prior to the shooting likely violated the city's spocial media policy.
Boykin's girlfriend was taken from the scene back to the police department after the incident.
Two other officers, Max Branch and Yolanda Young, also would be punished for allowing Boykin’s girlfriend to ride without reporting it and for not properly turning on their body cameras.
The officers have gotten advice from lawyers for the Police Benevolence Council.
Ball, who was arrested in September 2014 on cocaine and marijuana sale charges and faced a November court date, was a passenger in a 2007 Mercury Marquis driven by 33-year-old Shannon Brewer when the three officers in the unmarked car tried to pull them over on 14th Avenue North and 21st Street shortly after 10 p.m. on Oct. 16.
The car didn't stop immediately and when it did, Ball jumped and ran and Boykin gave chase while the other officers took control of the car and helped in the pursuit. It's unclear why the car didn't stop at first.
The traffic stop was for careless driving and no light over the car's license plate, a probable cause technique frequently used by police in many communities to stop and check cars. Brewer eventually was given tickets for the light, the driving and no proof of insurance.
She told police she didn't know Ball's name and had picked him up on the city's Southside, near where he lived, and was giving him a ride.
As Ball fled, sources say he pulled a gun, which may have been stolen, and turned on Boykin. Witnesses reported hearing between nine and 11 shots -- five to seven in rapid succession, a pause, two more and another pause and two more. It's unclear whether the gun Ball was said to have had had been fired.
At least one bullet was found lodged in a house along the narrow streets where the chase and shooting occurred.
Sources tell WTVA Boykin's video does not begin until after the shots were fired. It shows him in a panic and apparently distraught for having fired shots and repeating that the man, who officers didn't know at the time, had pulled a gun on him.
All weapons are being tested as part of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's probe of the shooting.
Ball was struck twice, once in the upper right arm and the other in the backside. The one in the upper arm entered the chest cavity and lodged there. The other bullet also was recovered.
He continued running for a block and a half before collapsing behind a house on 14th Avenue near 19th Street. It took officers about 20 minutes to find him and along with paramedics and firefighters, begin life-saving efforts.
He died at the Baptist Memorial Hospital about an hour after the shooting. An autopsy ruled excessive blood loss as the cause of death.
Ball's criminal charges dated from allegations that he sold cocaine and marijuana to an undercover agent on June 13, 2013. He was not arrested until September 2014 in part because he was living part of the time in Memphis. He was indicted earlier this year and was free on $15,000 bond.
Lowndes County court and jail records show Brewer had no prior felony record.
The three officers have been on paid administrative leave since the shooting.
The MBI has said it could be 30 days or more before its probe is complete.
See more at: http://www.wtva.com/news/Columbus_May_Discipline_Officers_Before_Probe_Complete.html#sthash.b0UiJMri.dpuf
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Council members surprised by police chief resignation -BY Isabelle Altman (The Dispatch)
Tony Carleton
Isabelle Altman
November 3, 2015 10:17:57 AM
Members of the Columbus City Council said they were surprised to learn of Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton's decision to step down.
Carleton alerted council members of his decision Monday morning. He gave Mayor Robert Smith a resignation letter Sunday night. Carleton's resignation came a little more than two weeks after the officer-involved shooting death of Columbus resident Ricky Ball on Oct. 16.
Most council members said they had not expected Carleton to resign.
"When he texted me this morning, I was just devastated," Ward 2 councilman Joseph Mickens told The Dispatch. "Had no idea that he was even contemplating it. No idea."
Carleton, who had previously served as chief of police in Tupelo for four years, joined CPD in Sept. 2013 as assistant chief. He became CPD chief in June 2014, earning $73,500 a year.
Ward 1 councilman Gene Taylor said he thought Carleton was "very happy here."
"It could be a future job," Taylor said. "I have no idea why he resigned."
Carleton told council members he found another job -- Smith said it was a teaching gig in Alabama -- but did not offer a specific reason for resigning. Council members, though, thought it was at least partially caused by the investigation into Ball's shooting death.
One officer involved in the shooting was fired Friday by the city council. Two others that were involved have been suspended for 30 days. The officers were equipped with body cameras. None of the cameras were activated prior to or during the shooting, authorities say. Authorities say Ball was shot twice after pointing a pistol at officers. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating.
"I think one would have to be kind of crazy not to know that all that's going on here is a large part of it," Ward 3 councilman Charlie Box said of Carleton's resignation. "When a city councilman says on Facebook that you need to be fired, repeatedly, several times, that's got to trouble you. I know that he was awful upset about the young man getting shot, and so this might have just kind of brought it all to a head."
Box was referring to Facebook posts made by Ward 5 councilman Marty Turner in the wake of Ball's death.
"The pressure of the Ricky Ball case is maybe too overwhelming for him and I wish he would have stayed until this process played out," Turner said.
Turner was the sole councilman who, when contacted by The Dispatch Monday, did not express disappointment that Carleton resigned.
"I'm happy," Turner said. "I'm glad he, you know, he resigned."
Turner said Carleton did not react properly to Ball's shooting. Turner said Carleton did not visit the crime scene or alert the city council and tell them of the shooting.
"At least I know he didn't call me about the situation that happened," Turner said. "I had to find out from the neighbors. I think I should have been the first one to call because it happened in my ward."
Turner has been vocal on social media in his criticism of Carleton and the city's handling of the shooting. However, other council members said they were disappointed to see Carleton go.
"He was a tremendous asset to the Columbus Police Department," Box said. "He was doing a good job and it's just unfortunate that all this happened, and it maybe shined a negative light. And some of the good things he's done, we're not going to take a look at that. We're going to see all this other stuff. And I hate it. I do."
Ward 6 councilman Bill Gavin said it's difficult to be a police officer, especially now that the nation's attitude toward law enforcement has changed in light of highly publicized police shootings that go viral on social media.
"I think as a nation as a whole, and the city together collectively, we need to take another look at what we're becoming as a society," Gavin said. "We're now blaming policemen, and I'm not defending anyone, but they're our protectors. They're there for us. They need some sort of support and I fully support -- and have in the past supported -- Chief Carleton and support the Columbus Police Department. They've got a very very tough job."
Ward 5 councilman Kabir Karriem said that though Carleton's resignation is unfortunate, it was probably for the best in the long run.
"It's an unfortunate situation that he's resigning at a time like this," he said. "I think now with him resigning, it's just real bad ... I think it's best that he resign because I think the community has lost trust in him and I think his bosses, meaning the council ... possibly could get information that we've not been privy to collectively to find out what really happened to Mr. Ball. But it's a shocker. It's a shocker."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=45982#ixzz43zAf3d00
November 3, 2015 10:17:57 AM
Members of the Columbus City Council said they were surprised to learn of Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton's decision to step down.
Carleton alerted council members of his decision Monday morning. He gave Mayor Robert Smith a resignation letter Sunday night. Carleton's resignation came a little more than two weeks after the officer-involved shooting death of Columbus resident Ricky Ball on Oct. 16.
Most council members said they had not expected Carleton to resign.
"When he texted me this morning, I was just devastated," Ward 2 councilman Joseph Mickens told The Dispatch. "Had no idea that he was even contemplating it. No idea."
Carleton, who had previously served as chief of police in Tupelo for four years, joined CPD in Sept. 2013 as assistant chief. He became CPD chief in June 2014, earning $73,500 a year.
Ward 1 councilman Gene Taylor said he thought Carleton was "very happy here."
"It could be a future job," Taylor said. "I have no idea why he resigned."
Carleton told council members he found another job -- Smith said it was a teaching gig in Alabama -- but did not offer a specific reason for resigning. Council members, though, thought it was at least partially caused by the investigation into Ball's shooting death.
One officer involved in the shooting was fired Friday by the city council. Two others that were involved have been suspended for 30 days. The officers were equipped with body cameras. None of the cameras were activated prior to or during the shooting, authorities say. Authorities say Ball was shot twice after pointing a pistol at officers. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating.
"I think one would have to be kind of crazy not to know that all that's going on here is a large part of it," Ward 3 councilman Charlie Box said of Carleton's resignation. "When a city councilman says on Facebook that you need to be fired, repeatedly, several times, that's got to trouble you. I know that he was awful upset about the young man getting shot, and so this might have just kind of brought it all to a head."
Box was referring to Facebook posts made by Ward 5 councilman Marty Turner in the wake of Ball's death.
"The pressure of the Ricky Ball case is maybe too overwhelming for him and I wish he would have stayed until this process played out," Turner said.
Turner was the sole councilman who, when contacted by The Dispatch Monday, did not express disappointment that Carleton resigned.
"I'm happy," Turner said. "I'm glad he, you know, he resigned."
Turner said Carleton did not react properly to Ball's shooting. Turner said Carleton did not visit the crime scene or alert the city council and tell them of the shooting.
"At least I know he didn't call me about the situation that happened," Turner said. "I had to find out from the neighbors. I think I should have been the first one to call because it happened in my ward."
Turner has been vocal on social media in his criticism of Carleton and the city's handling of the shooting. However, other council members said they were disappointed to see Carleton go.
"He was a tremendous asset to the Columbus Police Department," Box said. "He was doing a good job and it's just unfortunate that all this happened, and it maybe shined a negative light. And some of the good things he's done, we're not going to take a look at that. We're going to see all this other stuff. And I hate it. I do."
Ward 6 councilman Bill Gavin said it's difficult to be a police officer, especially now that the nation's attitude toward law enforcement has changed in light of highly publicized police shootings that go viral on social media.
"I think as a nation as a whole, and the city together collectively, we need to take another look at what we're becoming as a society," Gavin said. "We're now blaming policemen, and I'm not defending anyone, but they're our protectors. They're there for us. They need some sort of support and I fully support -- and have in the past supported -- Chief Carleton and support the Columbus Police Department. They've got a very very tough job."
Ward 5 councilman Kabir Karriem said that though Carleton's resignation is unfortunate, it was probably for the best in the long run.
"It's an unfortunate situation that he's resigning at a time like this," he said. "I think now with him resigning, it's just real bad ... I think it's best that he resign because I think the community has lost trust in him and I think his bosses, meaning the council ... possibly could get information that we've not been privy to collectively to find out what really happened to Mr. Ball. But it's a shocker. It's a shocker."
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=45982#ixzz43zAf3d00
Video: Columbus Police Chief Resigns -BY JOEY BARNES · NOVEMBER 2, 2015
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton has resigned.
Mayor Robert Smith made the announced at a Monday morning press conference.
Smith says Carleton took at teaching job in Alabama. The resignation is effective November 12th.
Veteran officer, Captain Fred Shelton, has taken over the chief duties until the city council appoints an interim chief.
Shelton was in charge of the patrol division of the department.
Smith says Carleton’s decision caught him by surprise.
Carleton’s resignation comes in the wake of the officer involved shooting death of Ricky Ball, 26.
Last week, the city council voted to fire officer Canyon Boykin and suspend officers Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young because of departmental policies that were violated the night Ball was shot on October 16th.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has not released any new details about the shooting.
Last week, CPD announced the FBI will conduct its internal investigation.
Carleton was sworn in as Columbus’ police chief on June 17, 2014.
Mayor Robert Smith made the announced at a Monday morning press conference.
Smith says Carleton took at teaching job in Alabama. The resignation is effective November 12th.
Veteran officer, Captain Fred Shelton, has taken over the chief duties until the city council appoints an interim chief.
Shelton was in charge of the patrol division of the department.
Smith says Carleton’s decision caught him by surprise.
Carleton’s resignation comes in the wake of the officer involved shooting death of Ricky Ball, 26.
Last week, the city council voted to fire officer Canyon Boykin and suspend officers Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young because of departmental policies that were violated the night Ball was shot on October 16th.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has not released any new details about the shooting.
Last week, CPD announced the FBI will conduct its internal investigation.
Carleton was sworn in as Columbus’ police chief on June 17, 2014.
McCoy the next to jump ship? -AUTHOR: THE PACKET - 11/13/2015
According to an agenda for the Nov. 16 meeting of the Columbus City Council, Assistant Chief Tony McCoy will be submitting his letter of retirement at Tuesday’s meeting.
The retirement will be effective in January.
McCoy worked with former Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton at the Tupelo Police Department.
Carleton recently resigned the CPD amidst a controversial investigation into the death of Ricky Ball, who was j\killed by then-Columbus police officer Canyon Boykin.
Photo courtesy MUW Spectator
The retirement will be effective in January.
McCoy worked with former Columbus Police Chief Tony Carleton at the Tupelo Police Department.
Carleton recently resigned the CPD amidst a controversial investigation into the death of Ricky Ball, who was j\killed by then-Columbus police officer Canyon Boykin.
Photo courtesy MUW Spectator
Veteran police officer resurfaces in Oxford -Posted on November 23, 2015 by William Moore in Crime & Law Enforcement, News
CARLETON
By William Moore
Daily Journal
TUPELO – After serving as the Police Chief for both Tupelo and Columbus, Tony Carleton is now working for the Oxford Police Department.
“He started work for us last Wednesday (Nov. 18),” said Oxford Police Chief Joey East. “He has been assigned to our training division.
“He will also help us out with policy and procedures and look over our accreditation. I think he will be an outstanding asset to our department.”
The announcement was made through social media. Carleton, a Tupelo native, appeared in a picture of new officers on the Oxford PD Facebook page on Nov. 19.
Carleton was hired as the Columbus Assistant Police Chief in November 2013 and was named chief in June 2014. He turned in his resignation Nov. 2, just weeks after an officer-involved shooting led to the termination of one officer and the suspension of two more. Following the emailed resignation, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said he was told Carleton was taking a teaching job in Alabama.
Days after Carleton’s resignation, assistant Columbus Police Chief Tony McCoy, whom Carleton brought with him from the Tupelo Police Department, announced he was retiring. Capt. Fred Shelton has been named the interim police chief while the city searches for a new department head.
Former Tupelo Mayor Jack Reed Jr. appointed Carleton Tupelo Police Chief in January 2010. He resigned in October 2013, shortly after new mayor Jason Shelton was sworn into office in July 2013.
Despite having more than five years of experience as a police chief, he received no rank or designation when he joined the Oxford PD.
“He’s just Officer Carleton, just like any other newly hired officer,” East said.
[email protected]
Daily Journal
TUPELO – After serving as the Police Chief for both Tupelo and Columbus, Tony Carleton is now working for the Oxford Police Department.
“He started work for us last Wednesday (Nov. 18),” said Oxford Police Chief Joey East. “He has been assigned to our training division.
“He will also help us out with policy and procedures and look over our accreditation. I think he will be an outstanding asset to our department.”
The announcement was made through social media. Carleton, a Tupelo native, appeared in a picture of new officers on the Oxford PD Facebook page on Nov. 19.
Carleton was hired as the Columbus Assistant Police Chief in November 2013 and was named chief in June 2014. He turned in his resignation Nov. 2, just weeks after an officer-involved shooting led to the termination of one officer and the suspension of two more. Following the emailed resignation, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said he was told Carleton was taking a teaching job in Alabama.
Days after Carleton’s resignation, assistant Columbus Police Chief Tony McCoy, whom Carleton brought with him from the Tupelo Police Department, announced he was retiring. Capt. Fred Shelton has been named the interim police chief while the city searches for a new department head.
Former Tupelo Mayor Jack Reed Jr. appointed Carleton Tupelo Police Chief in January 2010. He resigned in October 2013, shortly after new mayor Jason Shelton was sworn into office in July 2013.
Despite having more than five years of experience as a police chief, he received no rank or designation when he joined the Oxford PD.
“He’s just Officer Carleton, just like any other newly hired officer,” East said.
[email protected]
Protesters march to city council meeting -By Isabelle Altman (The Dispatch)
Columbus residents Andrea Owens, Fairren Wallace, Linda Owens Elliott, Rhonda Jones and Willie Wilson sing "We Shall Overcome" outside the Columbus Municipal Complex before Tuesday's city council meeting. They were part of a march drawing attention to the death of Ricky Ball, who died in a police shooting Oct. 16. Photo by: Isabelle Altman/Dispatch Staff
Isabelle Altman
November 4, 2015 11:19:32 AM
A crowd marched to the Columbus Municipal Complex during Tuesday night's city council meeting to draw attention to the police-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball last month.
The march was organized by Ball's cousin, Ernesto Ball, who has criticized the Columbus Police Department for its handling of Ball's death. Ball died after being shot twice by a Columbus police officer on the night of Oct. 16. Three officers at the scene said Ball, after fleeing from a traffic stop and being Tased, pointed a gun at them, but none of the officers' body cameras were activated prior to or during the incident.
Canyon Boykin, one of the officers, was fired the city council. Two others -- Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young -- have been suspended.
Marchers began gathering in the parking lot of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on 14th Avenue North around 3 p.m. Tuesday. At around 3:45 p.m., a crowd of roughly 70 to 100 people began marching from the church to the Municipal Complex.
A police escort accompanied them through northside neighborhoods. As the marchers walked, they chanted, "No justice, no peace! Stop killing us in these streets!" and held handmade signs that said, "Justice for Ricky Ball" and "All lives matter." They often called out to bystanders along the route to join them. Other people had parked cars along the march's route to hold up signs and cheer their support.
The marchers cheered and clapped when they reached the Municipal Complex at 4:30 p.m. By that time, the crowd had grown slightly. Most of the marchers attended the 5 p.m. city council meeting, asking questions and voicing concerns regarding Ball's death.
Authorities say a 9mm handgun was found near where Ball fell after being shot. That weapon, authorities say, had been stolen from a Columbus police officer's residence in August. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting forensic exams on the weapon to determine if Ball ever possessed it, according to CPD.
After spending an hour and a half at the council meeting, a small crowd marched from the Municipal Complex to the intersection of 14th Avenue North and 20th Street North. There -- at the spot where Ball was loaded into an ambulance on Oct. 16 -- they held a candlelight vigil.
Ernesto Ball, a family member of Ricky Ball's who organized the march, said he plans to hold a march every time there is a city council meeting until "justice has been served." He told marchers to like his Facebook page "Justice for Ricky Ball."
Ernesto Ball said he spoke to CPD Capt. Fred Shelton about getting permits for future marches. Ball said if future marches are small, permits won't be necessary. However, he thinks the movement will grow, not shrink.
Betina Ball, one of Ricky Ball's relatives, sang part of the song "Hold On Just a Little While Longer" following the prayer at the candlelight vigil.
"There's so much going on," she said. "People want to act quick with violence. So I feel that song is really uplifting. And it's not only 'hold on' ... it's 'pray on' as well."
Betina Ball stressed the importance of having patience and not resorting to violence. Both she and Ernesto Ball were happy that the marchers had not only been so supportive of the Ball family, but had remained peaceful.
Another marcher, Toby Hartleroad, thought the march went well as a whole, he said.
The closest thing to opposition to the march was the driver of a passing car who leaned from the car window and screamed, "Go to hell!" at marchers as they left the Municipal Complex.
For the most part, friends and family seemed satisfied that the march had gone well.
"I think it went very well, very well," Ernesto Ball said. "Everyone came together and supported us in our time of need. Not only that, but they showed much love for Ricky."
He added that the march was not just about Ricky Ball, but about anyone facing injustice.
"Ricky Ball is all our sons," said marcher Cyrus Conner-Bey.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=46008#ixzz3vn7AShTb
November 4, 2015 11:19:32 AM
A crowd marched to the Columbus Municipal Complex during Tuesday night's city council meeting to draw attention to the police-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball last month.
The march was organized by Ball's cousin, Ernesto Ball, who has criticized the Columbus Police Department for its handling of Ball's death. Ball died after being shot twice by a Columbus police officer on the night of Oct. 16. Three officers at the scene said Ball, after fleeing from a traffic stop and being Tased, pointed a gun at them, but none of the officers' body cameras were activated prior to or during the incident.
Canyon Boykin, one of the officers, was fired the city council. Two others -- Johnny Branch and Yolanda Young -- have been suspended.
Marchers began gathering in the parking lot of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on 14th Avenue North around 3 p.m. Tuesday. At around 3:45 p.m., a crowd of roughly 70 to 100 people began marching from the church to the Municipal Complex.
A police escort accompanied them through northside neighborhoods. As the marchers walked, they chanted, "No justice, no peace! Stop killing us in these streets!" and held handmade signs that said, "Justice for Ricky Ball" and "All lives matter." They often called out to bystanders along the route to join them. Other people had parked cars along the march's route to hold up signs and cheer their support.
The marchers cheered and clapped when they reached the Municipal Complex at 4:30 p.m. By that time, the crowd had grown slightly. Most of the marchers attended the 5 p.m. city council meeting, asking questions and voicing concerns regarding Ball's death.
Authorities say a 9mm handgun was found near where Ball fell after being shot. That weapon, authorities say, had been stolen from a Columbus police officer's residence in August. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting forensic exams on the weapon to determine if Ball ever possessed it, according to CPD.
After spending an hour and a half at the council meeting, a small crowd marched from the Municipal Complex to the intersection of 14th Avenue North and 20th Street North. There -- at the spot where Ball was loaded into an ambulance on Oct. 16 -- they held a candlelight vigil.
Ernesto Ball, a family member of Ricky Ball's who organized the march, said he plans to hold a march every time there is a city council meeting until "justice has been served." He told marchers to like his Facebook page "Justice for Ricky Ball."
Ernesto Ball said he spoke to CPD Capt. Fred Shelton about getting permits for future marches. Ball said if future marches are small, permits won't be necessary. However, he thinks the movement will grow, not shrink.
Betina Ball, one of Ricky Ball's relatives, sang part of the song "Hold On Just a Little While Longer" following the prayer at the candlelight vigil.
"There's so much going on," she said. "People want to act quick with violence. So I feel that song is really uplifting. And it's not only 'hold on' ... it's 'pray on' as well."
Betina Ball stressed the importance of having patience and not resorting to violence. Both she and Ernesto Ball were happy that the marchers had not only been so supportive of the Ball family, but had remained peaceful.
Another marcher, Toby Hartleroad, thought the march went well as a whole, he said.
The closest thing to opposition to the march was the driver of a passing car who leaned from the car window and screamed, "Go to hell!" at marchers as they left the Municipal Complex.
For the most part, friends and family seemed satisfied that the march had gone well.
"I think it went very well, very well," Ernesto Ball said. "Everyone came together and supported us in our time of need. Not only that, but they showed much love for Ricky."
He added that the march was not just about Ricky Ball, but about anyone facing injustice.
"Ricky Ball is all our sons," said marcher Cyrus Conner-Bey.
Read more: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=46008#ixzz3vn7AShTb
One officer fired, two suspended in Columbus shooting incident
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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – New details emerge surrounding the deadly officer-involved shooting.
In a special meeting today, the Columbus city council voted to have the two remaining police officers involved in the Ricky Ball shooting return to work.
Officers Max Branch and Yolanda Young were placed on a 30-day suspension after the October shooting incident.
That suspension ends today.
In a statement made to WCBI, Mayor Robert Smith said “The council saw fit at the recommendation of Interim Chief Fred Shelton, the recommendation was for the 30 days to run concurrent and also that Officer Branch and Officer Young will return to work today.”
The third officer, Canyon Boykin, who allegedly shot Ball, was fired after the shooting.
Interim Chief Fred Shelton will determine where the two officers will be placed within the department.
In a special meeting today, the Columbus city council voted to have the two remaining police officers involved in the Ricky Ball shooting return to work.
Officers Max Branch and Yolanda Young were placed on a 30-day suspension after the October shooting incident.
That suspension ends today.
In a statement made to WCBI, Mayor Robert Smith said “The council saw fit at the recommendation of Interim Chief Fred Shelton, the recommendation was for the 30 days to run concurrent and also that Officer Branch and Officer Young will return to work today.”
The third officer, Canyon Boykin, who allegedly shot Ball, was fired after the shooting.
Interim Chief Fred Shelton will determine where the two officers will be placed within the department.