Mayor calls for officer's firing after fatal shooting

HEARNE, TX (KTRK) -- Following the fatal police shooting of a 93-year-old woman in the Brazos Valley town of Hearne this week, Hearne's mayor says he will recommend the officer who shot her be terminated. Hearne's city council will hold a special meeting this Saturday.

The announcement came this morning as dozens of protesters walked the two blocks between a park and the police station.

Pearlie Golden, also known as 'Miss Sulie' was a fixture in the community. Earlier this week, police say a 911 call was received from her nephew about a disturbance, that his aunt had a handgun.

Police responded with two patrol cars in all and two officers. Officer Stephen Stem, according to the department, said he saw Ms. Golden "brandishing a weapon." Moments later, he fired five shots. Ms. Golden died at a Bryan hospital from her injuries.

Community activist Quanell X made the trip from Houston to lead this morning's planned demonstration. He demanded the officer be fired and prosecuted. Unless swift action was taken, he urged a march on the home of the town's police chief.

Mayor Reuben Galvan appeared at the demonstration, announcing the special council meeting. He said he will recommend the officer be fired, saying, "We've lost confidence in him."

Like Quanell X, most of those at the demonstration, who described 'Ms. Sulie' as a beloved fixture of the town, who would drive her car usually at less than 10 miles an hour, wonder why a warning shot was not fired.

The Texas Rangers is investigating the shooting, as well as the Robertson county district attorney's office.