Family Questions Deadly Police Shooting in West Hartford
The relatives of 34-year-old Mike Alexander-Garcia, who was shot and killed by a West Hartford police officer last week, argued on Monday that the shooting was unjustified. At a press conference outside West Hartford Town Hall, lawyers for Alexander-Garcia's family urged the police department to preserve and share evidence from its investigation into the shooting.
"The use of deadly force in this situation was unnecessary and irresponsible," said attorney Kenneth Krayeske of BBB Attorneys, who is representing Alexander-Garcia's family.
Both West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and Police Chief Vernon Riddick declined to comment on Monday afternoon about the shooting.
Shooting Occurred During Stolen Car Investigation
According to Inspector General Robert Devlin of the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, the shooting occurred on August 8 as West Hartford police were attempting to stop a stolen Hyundai Elantra on New Britain Avenue.
Alexander-Garcia, 34, died after being shot while police were investigating the stolen car.
Family Questions Police Account
At Monday's press conference, attorney Krayeske said he wants to review evidence that Alexander-Garcia allegedly tried to carjack two other vehicles before being shot, as police have claimed.
According to the account provided by police, Officer Alexander Teeter entered the stolen Hyundai and attempted to stop Alexander-Garcia along with using his police dog. Despite Teeter and the dog being inside the car, Alexander-Garcia allegedly backed out of a service bay area and struck two parked cars. Teeter then fired multiple shots into the vehicle, striking Alexander-Garcia, according to Krayeske. After being hit by three bullets, Alexander-Garcia crashed the car into a utility pole.
Family Not Notified About Bodycam Video Release
Krayeske also said at the press conference that Alexander-Garcia's family was not aware that police body camera video of the shooting was going to be released until they saw it on TV. The family is questioning the necessity of the use of deadly force by the officer.
Attorney Seeks More Evidence Disclosure
The family's attorney wants the police department to preserve all evidence, including body camera footage, and to share it with both state investigators and Alexander-Garcia's family. Krayeske argues that the shooting, based on details currently known, was an unnecessary use of deadly force.
Mayor, Police Chief Decline Comment
Neither Mayor Cantor nor Chief Riddick have provided comments regarding the shooting or the family's claims. The mayor's office referred media inquiries to the state's attorney's office, which is conducting an investigation per standard protocol when deadly force is used by police.
Shooting Victim Had Criminal Record
Alexander-Garcia had a criminal record spanning over a decade prior to the fatal shooting. His convictions included robbery, assault, burglary, and firearm possession charges.
At the time of the shooting, there was an active warrant for Alexander-Garcia's arrest. But the family's attorney contends that despite his criminal past, the use of lethal force was not justified in this incident.
Family Seeks Answers, Justice
Alexander-Garcia left behind two young sons, ages 13 and 15. His family says he was trying to turn his life around after being released from prison earlier this year.
While the shooting remains under investigation, Alexander-Garcia's relatives are seeking answers and justice. They argue the officer involved should be held accountable for using fatal force instead of non-lethal options.
The family plans to continue urging transparency and evidence disclosure as the case proceeds. Their attorney says they want to ensure a full, fair investigation that reveals whether or not the officer was justified in fatally shooting Alexander-Garcia.
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