HPD releases body-worn camera footage of man's shooting death

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BySteve Campion KTRK logo
Friday, February 18, 2022
Family disputes HPD officers fired in self-defense despite new video
HPD says it's clear Charion Lockett fired first but the 27-year-old's family said he did not, and claim that footage released does not back up the agency's story.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The family of a man shot and killed by Houston police officers rallied outside the department Thursday night, promising to file a federal lawsuit against the agency for the deadly shooting.

SEE RELATED STORY: 'I want justice for my son': Grieving mother accuses HPD of false charges before son was killed

"This community is here to tell the world that this young man was loved and the city has a fight on its hands," said Charion Lockett's family attorney, Taft Foley. "We will fight to the bitter end. Remember this. Justice will be served."

Lockett was killed in the front door of his family home on the morning of Feb. 7. Officers said when they tried to arrest him on an aggravated robbery warrant, he opened fire on them.

Lockett's family dismiss those claims.

They said officers never identified themselves, showed up in unmarked vehicles, and never gave Lockett the ability to turn himself into law enforcement. Lockett has no prior criminal record and received bachelor and master's degrees in criminal justice.

His family also questions the basis for which the warrant was obtained.

The Houston Police Department released footage from body-worn cameras late Thursday evening, absent the ability of reporters to ask any questions. In the video posted online, assistant chief Belinda Null said officers rendered medical aid within four minutes of the gunfire. When asked for further comment, HPD said they won't comment on an ongoing investigation.

"He was something to us," said Lockett's cousin, Tonetta Bullard. "He mattered to us, not just because he was Black, but because he was ours. I can't even process this situation. I can't process it."

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